What is the purpose of fetal scalp stimulation during monitoring?

Fetal scalp stimulation is a technique used during fetal heart rate monitoring to assess the well-being of the fetus. The primary purpose of this stimulation is to elicit a response in the fetal heart rate, specifically the acceleration of the heart rate, which is an indication of fetal oxygenation and overall health. When the fetal scalp is stimulated, it typically causes a reflexive acceleration in the heart rate, which signifies that the fetus is reacting well to stimuli, suggesting it is not in distress.

This technique is particularly valuable during labor when continuous fetal monitoring is being conducted. The presence of heart rate accelerations in response to scalp stimulation can indicate that the fetus has an adequately functioning central nervous system and is receiving sufficient oxygen. Therefore, using this method helps healthcare providers assess fetal well-being effectively.