I was educated and I had one. For me, it was the best option. I needed monitoring during both births as I was induced due to pre-eclampsia. The first time the external monitors kept slipping and it wasn't possible for someone else to hold them on as it would have meant someone right next to me and I wanted to be able to move around. Also, I know I only wanted hubby that close to me.

With the internal monitor, it really only nicked the top of his head. The mark was gone shortly after.

It meant during labour despite the crap sandwich that is pre-eclampsia and induction, I could move around and have as close to active labour as possible. It meant no drugs for me and a much better labour and birth.