What is a common indication for using external fetal monitoring?

External fetal monitoring is often utilized in situations where a mother prefers minimal invasiveness. This technique involves placing sensors on the mother's abdomen, which allows for the continuous assessment of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions without the need for internal instrumentation. It is particularly appealing to many expectant mothers who may have concerns about the discomfort or risks associated with invasive procedures.

Using external fetal monitoring can effectively provide valuable information about the condition of the fetus while ensuring a greater level of comfort for the mother. This approach can be beneficial in both routine situations and in cases that may involve complications, depending on the clinical scenario and maternal preferences.

In contrast to this, monitoring high-risk pregnancies is not solely reliant on external methods, as more invasive techniques may be warranted to closely observe the fetus in those situations. Routine assessments for all pregnancies may not necessarily require continuous monitoring, especially if there are no complications or concerns. Additionally, while monitoring can be used to assess fetal response to medications, this is more associated with internal methods, as they provide more precise data in such scenarios where direct effects are being evaluated.