Where is the tocodynamometer placed to monitor contractions externally?

• A. On the cervix
• B. On the lower abdomen
• C. Over the chest
• D. On the uterine fundus

Answer: (D)

External contraction monitoring uses a device placed on the abdomen over the fundus—the upper part of the uterus. This spot is where contractions begin and generate the strongest pressure changes, so the sensor can reliably detect how often contractions occur and how long they last. Placing the monitor on the cervix wouldn’t capture contractions, and placing it on the chest wouldn’t reflect uterine activity. Internal monitoring is an alternative that involves a catheter placed inside the uterus, but externally the best position is over the fundus on the abdomen.