What is an essential condition that must be met regarding fetal monitoring during breech delivery?

Continuous fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is essential during a breech delivery because the breech presentation poses a higher risk for complications that can affect both the mother and the fetus. Continuous monitoring allows for real-time assessment of the fetal heart rate and the identification of any signs of fetal distress or abnormal heart rate patterns that may necessitate immediate intervention.

In breech deliveries, there is an increased risk of cord compression, head entrapment, and other complications. Continuous monitoring enables healthcare providers to promptly detect any deterioration in the fetal condition, ensuring that timely decisions can be made regarding the need for emergency interventions, such as cesarean delivery.

Intermittent monitoring may not be sufficient in this scenario as it can delay the recognition of issues that arise during labor and delivery. Monitoring only during contractions or deciding not to monitor at all would pose significant risks to fetal well-being, as many complications can occur outside of contractions or may not be detected without consistent, ongoing assessment. Thus, continuous FHR monitoring is crucial to ensure the safety of both the fetus and mother during a breech delivery.