From Traditional to Cutting-Edge: A Review of Fetal Well-Being Assessment Techniques

The birth of a new life, which should be a blessing to everyone, is regrettably not always the case. According to the latest data, the worldwide rate of stillbirths in 2022 stood at 13.9 stillbirths per 1,000 total births. This translates to one stillborn baby for every 72 total births, occurring at a frequency of one every 17 seconds. This article reviews antenatal fetal monitoring techniques that can help patients and healthcare providers recognize and intervene in a timely manner to prevent conditions that threaten fetal well-being. Various fetal well-being assessment methods have been explored. The most used techniques include the non-stress test, contraction stress test, and biophysical profile that encompass both fetal movement and fetal heart rate. This review delves into technologies used for antenatal diagnostic methods, ranging from traditional methods to contemporary advancements. The presented categories serve as a guide, recommending techniques tailored to specific pregnancy stages and observational purposes.