Fetal Monitoring Clinic

When you arrive for your Non-Stress Test (NST) appointment, the clinic nurse will prepare for your test by attaching a fetal monitor around your belly.

During the test, the nurse will listen to baby’s heart rate, monitor any contractions, and track baby’s movements while observing the baby’s heart rate as it moves. Just as your heart rate increases when you run, the baby’s heart rate should increase when it moves or kicks.

Depending on the results of the NST, you may be referred for additional testing. Sometimes, the results of the NST indicate that labour should be induced.

Your appointment will take 30-60 min.

If you are scheduled for a planned cesarean section, we will contact you to book an appointment a day or two before your surgery date.

At this appointment you will have pre-operative bloodwork done, your vital signs recorded and baby’s heart rate assessed. You will learn more about your hospital stay and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

You are encouraged to bring your support person with you so they can also learn about what to expect.

Your appointment will take 30-60 minutes. 

If you have anemia and low iron levels in your blood, your doctor or midwife may refer you to the Fetal Monitoring Clinic for 1-3 iron treatments. We will contact you to book your appointments once your referral has been processed.

Iron Sucrose is administered via an IV over 2-3 hours. Before, during and after your treatment, we will assess your vital signs and baby’s heart rate.

Your appointment will take 3-4 hours. Please bring snacks and quiet entertainment to occupy you during the infusion. 

If your labour needs to be started for you, your doctor may refer you to the Fetal Monitoring Clinic for an outpatient Induction of Labour. We will contact you to book your appointments once your referral has been processed.

When you arrive at the clinic, the nurse will review with you the reason(s) for your induction of labour and clarify any concerns.  She will ask you about your pregnancy, assess your vital signs and check your baby’s heart rate. A vaginal examination will be done to check your cervix and the baby’s position.

The Cervidil will be inserted into your vagina.  This may be a little uncomfortable.  Two to three inches of the string will remain outside of your vagina so that the insert may be pulled out after active labour has started, after 24 hours have passed, or there is a problem. You will remain in bed for an hour.  During this time, your baby and your contractions will be monitored.  This gives us time to assess your and your baby’s response to the medication.  You will not be able to eat or drink while this is done. If all is well, after about an hour, the monitoring will be stopped, you may have a snack, and may walk around.  You will be discharged from the hospital until labour starts or be asked to return at a specific time.