Do you need a referral for fetal heart monitoring?

A midwife, obstetrician, or other pregnancy clinician can usually decide whether monitoring is appropriate and arrange it. Some services accept an appointment from an existing maternity team without a separate referral, while others require a written request before booking.

Fetal heart monitoring records your baby's heartbeat and may also record contractions. Sensors are placed on your abdomen and connected to a monitor while you sit or lie comfortably. The tracing helps the clinical team assess the baby's heart rate pattern in relation to movement and contractions.

Monitoring may be suggested during pregnancy or labour for a specific clinical reason, such as concerns about fetal wellbeing, reduced movements, bleeding, contractions, or a pregnancy that needs closer observation. The test itself does not determine every cause of a concern, so the result is interpreted alongside your symptoms, examination, and pregnancy history.

Contact the midwife, obstetrician, or maternity clinic providing your care and ask whether they will arrange the monitoring directly. Have your pregnancy records, estimated due date, reason for the test, and any appointment details available. Ask whether you need a referral letter, prior approval from the clinic, or preparation before attending.

If another clinician has advised monitoring, ask them to send the request to the maternity service and confirm where it was sent. Do not delay contacting your maternity team because you are unsure about paperwork; explain the reason you were told to attend so they can guide you.

Contact your maternity unit promptly if you notice reduced or changed fetal movements, vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, regular painful contractions, severe abdominal pain, or feel acutely unwell. Use the urgent maternity route advised for your pregnancy rather than waiting for a referral to be processed.

If you are worried about your baby's movements or wellbeing, say this clearly when you call. The team can tell you whether you need immediate assessment and monitoring.

Ask: Why is monitoring being recommended? Who will arrange it? Where will it take place? How long should I expect the appointment to take? What should I do if symptoms change before the appointment? When and how will the result be explained to me?