North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

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What is the primary purpose of conducting a fetal heart rate (FHT) check during labor?

To estimate the weight of the baby
To monitor the baby's well-being during labor
To determine the stage of labor
To assist in maternal positioning

The correct answer is: To monitor the baby's well-being during labor

Conducting a fetal heart rate (FHT) check during labor primarily serves to monitor the baby's well-being. This practice is essential for assessing the fetus's health status in real time and is a critical component of intrapartum care. The fetal heart rate offers valuable insights into the fetus's response to uterine contractions and overall condition. Changes or abnormalities in the fetal heart rate can indicate distress or potential complications, allowing for timely interventions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. While estimating the baby’s weight, determining the stage of labor, and assisting in maternal positioning are important aspects of maternity care, they do not directly relate to the primary purpose of FHT checks. Weight estimation relies on ultrasound or physical assessment, the stage of labor is determined through clinical evaluation of cervical dilation and effacement, and maternal positioning is guided by comfort and delivery progress rather than the fetal heart monitoring itself. Thus, the focus during FHT checks is squarely on the fetus's well-being.