What is a common fetal assessment method used during routine prenatal visits?

Fetal heart rate monitoring is a common method used during routine prenatal visits to assess the well-being of the fetus. This non-invasive technique allows healthcare providers to evaluate the baby's heart rate patterns, providing essential information about the fetal condition. Regular monitoring can help identify potential distress or complications, such as hypoxia or various types of fetal anemia, and informs decisions regarding the management of the pregnancy.

While alpha-fetoprotein analysis, ultrasound examinations, and amniocentesis are important components of prenatal care, they serve specific purposes and are not conducted as routinely at every visit. Alpha-fetoprotein analysis is typically performed in the second trimester to screen for certain genetic conditions. Ultrasound examinations are often done at specific points in the pregnancy to visualize fetal anatomy and assess growth. Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure performed for genetic testing or to check for certain fetal conditions, usually reserved for high-risk pregnancies. Thus, fetal heart rate monitoring stands out as a standard, routine assessment performed during regular prenatal check-ups.