Which method is commonly used to evaluate fetal well-being during labor?

Continuous fetal heart rate monitoring is widely recognized as a vital method for evaluating fetal well-being during labor. This technique allows healthcare providers to constantly assess the fetal heart rate and identify any signs of distress or abnormal patterns that may indicate a need for intervention. The real-time data obtained from continuous monitoring can help determine whether the fetus is tolerating labor well or if there are any signs of hypoxia or other complications, facilitating timely clinical decisions.

In contrast, intravenous medication administration does not directly assess fetal well-being; it is more about managing maternal pain or other medical conditions. Fetal blood sampling, while more invasive, is typically done in specific situations when a detailed assessment of the fetal condition is required, such as in cases of suspected acidosis. This method may not be used routinely during labor. Auscultation of maternal heart sounds focuses on the mother's cardiovascular status rather than the fetus and would not provide the necessary data regarding fetal well-being during labor.

Thus, the best practice for ongoing assessment of fetal health during labor is continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, making it the preferred and most effective method for ensuring fetal well-being.