An EFM device is an electronic instrument used in the process of Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) to track the health of a fetus during pregnancy or labor.
Understanding Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM)
Based on the provided information, Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) is defined as a method in which electronic instruments are used to record the heartbeat of the fetus and contractions of the mother's uterus.
The term fetus refers to the stage of prenatal development that starts 8 weeks after fertilization and lasts until the end of pregnancy.
Therefore, an EFM device is one of the specific electronic instruments that are part of this monitoring method.
What an EFM Device Records
The primary function of an EFM device is to capture vital information about the well-being of the developing baby and the mother's labor progress. Specifically, these devices are used to record:
- The heartbeat of the fetus.
- The contractions of the mother's uterus.
By continuously monitoring these two factors, healthcare providers can assess how the fetus is tolerating labor or development, identify potential concerns, and make informed decisions about care.
