What is continuous fetal monitoring recommended for?

Continuous fetal monitoring is recommended primarily for all pregnant patients who are 20 or more weeks gestation to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the fetus. At this stage, fetal monitoring allows healthcare providers to assess the heart rate and patterns of the fetus continuously, which can help identify potential issues such as fetal distress.

The rationale behind this recommendation is that by monitoring the fetus closely, healthcare professionals can quickly intervene if any problems arise, thus reducing the risk of adverse outcomes. Continuous monitoring can be invaluable, as it allows for the observation of trends over time rather than just isolated data points, providing a more comprehensive view of fetal health.

This approach supports the goal of proactive management in maternity care, which aims to enhance maternal and fetal outcomes by detecting and addressing complications early in the pregnancy or during labor. Therefore, this intervention is not limited to specific complications or phases of pregnancy, but rather serves a broader purpose in the care of pregnant individuals at this stage.