Fetal monitoring can be essential during labour – but many women don’t realise they have choices

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So, you’re about to have a baby. You’ve been to the birth classes – you learned how being upright and moving around can help you be as comfortable as possible. Perhaps you’ve even learned some acupressure or hypnotherapy to help with pain management.

You’re feeling ready for birth – but then things start to get real. The hospital is discussing induction of labour, or maybe you went into spontaneous labour – but they tell you they need to monitor the baby. Health workers attach electrodes, straps and wires. “It’s for the wellbeing of the baby” they say – but nobody has talked about monitoring in any of the classes or visits.