What is the purpose of fetal pulse oximetry?

Fetal pulse oximetry is a specialized monitoring technique designed to assess the oxygenation status of a fetus during labor. By measuring the amount of oxygen in the fetal blood, healthcare providers can gain critical insights into the well-being of the fetus and determine how well it is tolerating the labor process. This information is vital, as adequate oxygenation is necessary for the fetus's health and can help identify potential distress early, allowing for timely interventions if needed.

Monitoring the fetal heartbeat is typically done through other means such as electronic fetal monitoring, and determining fetal blood type or predicting delivery timing are not functions of fetal pulse oximetry. Instead, the primary goal of this method is to provide a clear picture of the fetus's oxygen levels, which is essential for evaluating the risk of complications during labor, making option C the appropriate choice.