Intermittent Auscultation for Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Surveillance
Abstract
Fetal heart rate surveillance is a standard component of intrapartum care. The fetal heart rate can be evaluated using intermittent auscultation or electronic fetal monitoring. Research that has compared these 2 strategies found them to be equivalent with respect to long-term neonatal outcomes. The purpose of this clinical bulletin by the American College of Nurse-Midwives is to review evidence for the use of intermittent auscultation and provide recommendations for intermittent auscultation technique, interpretation, and documentation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions
Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare
Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Midwifery & Women s Health
- Volume
- 71
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 887–894
- Publication date
- 26 February 2026
- Language
- EN