Final answer:
Fetal heart rate (FHR) is assessed at regular intervals during labor to monitor the well-being of the baby. It is usually done using electronic fetal monitoring. Assessing the FHR helps identify any signs of distress or potential complications and enables healthcare providers to take appropriate measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fetal heart rate (FHR) is assessed during labor to monitor the well-being of the baby. It is usually done using electronic fetal monitoring, which involves placing a device called a Doppler or an ultrasound transducer on the mother's abdomen to record the baby's heart rate.
The FHR is typically assessed at regular intervals during labor, depending on the specific circumstances. In low-risk pregnancies, it is commonly checked every 30 minutes in the first stage of labor and every 15 minutes in the second stage. In high-risk pregnancies or when there are concerns about the baby's well-being, continuous monitoring may be necessary.
Assessing the FHR helps healthcare providers identify any signs of distress or potential complications, enabling them to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.