The advent of electronic fetal heart rate monitoring has dramatically changed intrapartum management within the United States. The almost universal presence of such monitoring during the course of most deliveries presents providers with a variety of challenges. Controversy exists concerning the clinical benefit of continuous electronic fetal monitoring. Such controversy, however, does not eliminate the need for obstetrical providers to be familiar with the basics of electronic fetal monitoring, normal and abnormal findings, and appropriate management for abnormal tracings.