Despite few studies proclaiming its efficacy , Electronic Fetal Monitoring is still a widespread practice in the process of childbirth in the US , according to this New Republic article . The technology is used on 85 % of pregnant women , and is frequently employed to ward off malpractice allegations . Doctors worry that if they stop using fetal monitors, they'll be held liable for anything that goes wrong. " A frequent case is that of false positives , doctors losing the signal of a baby 's heartbeat and ordering an emergency c - section or vacuum ##ing , when the technology is actually at fault and the baby perfectly healthy .
Despite few studies proclaiming its efficacy , Electronic Fetal Monitoring is still a widespread practice in the process of childbirth in the US , according to this New Republic article . The technology is used on 85 % of pregnant women , and is frequently employed to ward off malpractice allegations . A frequent case is that of false positives , doctors losing the signal of a baby 's heartbeat and ordering an emergency c - section or vacuum ##ing , when the technology is actually at fault and the baby perfectly healthy .