In this dynamic course, Holly dissects the complex tangle of fetal assessment, and translates the latest recommendations of ACOG along with the original consensus of the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), to create recommendations specific to the out-of-hospital setting, and in accordance with the Biodynamic model of midwifery.
The 3rd edition contains updates to content, along with interactive exercises using audio recordings of FHTs, and written scenarios.
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
1. List six factors needed for maternal-fetal transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, etc.
2. Discuss two features of fetal circulation that reduce risk of fetal hypoxia
3. List four factors used in assessing fetal well-being in labor
4. Describe how the fetus responds to catecholamines (stress hormones)
5. List potential fetal stressors
6. Describe what conditions lead to “primary apnea” and then to “secondary apnea”
This course was originally intended for those attending birth in homes and birth centers.
The information in this course is equally useful to any care provider utilizing handheld Doppler for intrapartum fetal monitoring, in any setting.
HiveCE is an approved provider of continuing education by the California Board of Nursing, and this course is provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 17686, for 8 contact hours, through November 30th, 2025. (This is widely accepted nationwide as continuing education for nurses and midwives. This course is accepted by NARM as Category 1 CE for CPM renewal.)
This course has been approved by MEAC for 8 contact hours of continuing education through September 30, 2025. Approval ID: M2223-86-0901DE
Approved for the NARM Midwifery Bridge Certificate, Category 2.
Yes! This course meets the criteria for the Utah midwifery licensing requirement of a course in "intrapartum fetal monitoring."
Yes! This course meets the criteria for the Texas midwifery licensing requirement of a course in "assessing fetal heart rates by intermittent auscultation."
Note: Course completion does not authorize the learner to use skills outside their scope. Please refer to your state guidelines for determining scope of care.
For information regarding our refund policy and other Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to our FAQ. If you have additional questions, please email [email protected].
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Instructor(s)
Instructor Bio:
Holly Scholles
MA, CPM-retired
Course curriculum
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01
Resources
Show details- How To Use HiveCE
- Studies and Guidance
- Fetal Assessment Study Guide
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02
Foundational Concepts
Show details- 1.1 Historical Review and Current Consensus
- 1.2 The Language of Fetal Assessment
- 1.3 Review of Relevant Physiology
- 1.4 Prenatal Preparations for Intrapartum Monitoring
- Quiz 1
- Please join the discussion!
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03
Prenatal Considerations
Show details- 2.1 Fetal Oxygenation
- 2.2 Prelabor Damage
- 2.3 Auscultated Acceleration Test (AAT)
- AAT Studies
- Printable PDF: AAT Form
- Quiz 2
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04
Intrapartum Fetal Assessment Methods, Standards and Guidelines
Show details- 3.1 Tools for Intrapartum Fetal Assessment
- 3.2 Death By Hypoxia
- 3.3 Standards for Intermittant Auscultation in Labor
- 3.4 Guidelines for Intrapartum FHT Monitoring
- PDF: Guidelines for FHT Monitoring
- PDF: 5 second counts vs 6 second counts
- Audio: FHT recording to be used to practice 5 second counts
- Quiz 3
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05
Monitoring and Assessment
Show details- 4.1: How To Calculate A Baseline
- 4.2 Tachycardia and Bradycardia
- Audio: FHT recording of Bradycardia
- Audio: FHT recording of Tachycardia
- Video Q&A: Is baseline a rate or a range?
- Video Q&A: Relative Tachycardia vs Baseline Change
- Video Q&A: Special Consideration for Waterbirth
- 4.3 Arrythmias
- 4.4 Variation
- 4.5 Variation Examples
- Audio: FHT recording of No Variation Counted
- Printable PDF: Quick Guide Amplitude Chart
- Quiz 4.2: Variation - approved and in the right place
- 4.6 Reactivity: Accelerations and Non-reactive
- 4.7 Decelerations
- Video Q&A: Can hypertension be a cause of prolonged decels?
- 4.8 Shifting Research on Variable Decels
- Audio: FHT Recording of a Variable Deceleration
- PDF: The 5-60-60-60 Rule for Variable Decels
- PDF: FHT Reactivity Grid
- PDF: Factors for FHTs
- Audio Quiz for Baseline and Variation
- Quiz 4
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06
Complex Situations
Show details- 5.1 How To Respond To Decelerations
- 5.2 The Sound of Silence
- 5.3 Intrauterine Resuscitation
- Article: Intrauterine Resuscitation During Labor: Review of Current Methods and Supportive Evidence
- PDF: Things To Try
- Quiz 5
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07
Evaluating FHTs
Show details- 6.1 NICHD FHR Categories
- 6.2 Reassuring vs Non-Reassuring FHTs in the Community Setting
- 6.3 FHT Patterns and Commonly Associated Causes
- Quiz 6
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08
Integration
Show details- 7.1 Charting
- Video Q&A: Strategies for Monitoring and Charting (while protecting physiologic birth!)
- PDF: How to Chart FHTs
- Video Q&A: Anti-Pyretics
- Video Q&A: Accurary of the Doppler Digital Display
- FHT Scenario #1: Shonisha
- FHT Scenario #2: Wendy
- FHT Scenario #3: Matha
- Video Q&A: Reminders for Clinical Practice
- 7.2 Conclusion
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09
Post-Tests and CE Certificates
Show details- MEAC Evaluation Questions
- Post-test