What is the role of continuous fetal monitoring post-20 weeks of gestation?

Continuous fetal monitoring post-20 weeks of gestation primarily serves the purpose of detecting fetal heart rate changes. This monitoring is crucial during labor and delivery as it provides real-time information about the fetal well-being, enabling healthcare providers to identify potential issues such as fetal distress, which may require immediate intervention. By continuously observing the fetal heart rate patterns, clinicians can determine how the fetus is coping with the stresses of labor and can make informed decisions regarding the need for delivery or additional interventions.

While assessing fetal movement and monitoring maternal blood pressure are important aspects of prenatal care and overall management during pregnancy, the primary focus of continuous fetal monitoring during labor is to assess the fetal heart rate. This is because changes in fetal heart rate can be indicative of compromised fetal oxygenation or other complications that need to be addressed promptly.