ABSTRACT
This chapter explores a number of considerations that will inform decision-making. It considers the application of ethical principles and provides understanding of maternal and fetal physiology while critically appraising the new evidence and fetal heart monitoring guidelines. The chapter discusses the need for midwives to be cognisant of how place of birth choice influences outcomes, and to apply the principles of cultural awareness. Empowering women to engage in informed choices about their pregnancy, labour and birth care and early parenthood is fundamental to the midwifery model of care. The knowledge that intermittent auscultation as a fetal heart monitoring modality for low-risk women is well supported should be reassuring for practising midwives around the globe. Monitoring fetal well-being during labour and birth is a central component of midwifery care, irrespective of geographical location or model of care provision. A midwifery model of care, ethics and research, all strengthen decision-making for fetal heart rate monitoring.
