Fetal surveillance during labor is essential to monitor for hypoxia and acidosis. Methods of monitoring include auscultation, external and internal electronic fetal monitoring. Fetal heart rate patterns provide information on oxygenation through assessment of baseline rate, variability and periodic changes in response to contractions. Abnormal patterns like late decelerations suggest interventions may be needed like changing position or accelerating delivery. Meconium staining and non-reactive heart rates also indicate possible distress. Fetal blood sampling helps assess acidosis risk to guide management.