What is the primary purpose of fetal heart rate (FHR) monitors?

The primary purpose of fetal heart rate (FHR) monitors is to monitor the heart rate of a developing fetus during both pregnancy and labor. These monitors provide crucial information about the health and well-being of the fetus, allowing healthcare providers to detect any signs of distress or complications early on. By continuously tracking the fetal heart rate, clinicians can assess how well the fetus is responding to the circumstances of labor, such as uterine contractions, and can make timely decisions regarding interventions if necessary.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of maternal and fetal care. While assessing maternal health and detecting abnormalities in maternal vital signs are important components of prenatal care, they are not the primary function of FHR monitors. The analysis of fetal position may also be relevant during labor but is typically determined through other methods such as physical examinations and ultrasound. Thus, the specific role of FHR monitors is centered around fetal heart rate assessment, making the second option the most accurate and relevant choice.