Testing During Labor and Delivery
The following are common tests done labor and delivery:
Pelvic Exam
The most important test performed during labor is the pelvic exam used to determine the progression of labor. The labor nurse or physician manually exams your cervix to determine the amount of dilation and effacement.
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Fetal monitoring
Fetal monitoring is done electronically. It is used to detect the baby's heart rate and response to uterine contractions. Monitors may be external, using an ultrasound sensor in the shape of a disk, on your abdomen, or internal if your physician or labor nurse feel it is important to monitor the baby more closely. An internal fetal monitor is a small electrode placed directly on the baby's scalp, while inside the uterus. Internal monitoring can only be done if the bag of water has broken.
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Additional Procedure
You may receive an IV or intravenous needle. This would be used to give you pain medications.
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