Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate the fetal heart rate?

The assessment tool used to evaluate the fetal heart rate is electronic fetal monitoring. This technique allows healthcare providers to continuously assess the baby's heart rate in relation to uterine contractions, providing vital information about fetal well-being during labor and delivery. Electronic fetal monitoring can help identify signs of fetal distress, allowing for timely interventions if needed.

In contrast, ultrasound imaging primarily provides visual assessments of the fetus and can measure heart motion but is not primarily used for continuous heart rate monitoring. Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure that typically assesses amniotic fluid for genetic or developmental issues rather than directly monitoring fetal heart rate. Maternal pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of the mother’s blood and does not provide any information regarding the fetal heart rate. Thus, electronic fetal monitoring is specifically designed for the continuous and accurate evaluation of fetal heart activity.