DS1 - I was monitored continuously from the time they could get me onto the bed for an examination as DS1 was experiencing a drop in heart rate during contractions (which is normal, but his rate was dropping a little lower than they liked). Bub ended up having scalp monitor placed. DS1 was born less than 3 hours after getting to hospital. For me labouring on my back wasn't that big a deal, although I'd anticipated an active labour (of which I'd experienced several hours at home). Bub showed no marks after being born and didn't appear to have been too concerned about having been attached to a scalp monitor for an hour or so .

DS2 - Same as above except bub didn't need scalp monitor. However, the monitor I wore must have been a more modern one (than with DS1) as I wasn't required to lay down when I had it on. Mind you, I didn't feel the need to be too active with my labour (I just swayed back and forth through contractions), so I can't tell you how much "freedom" you'd have with it on. Again, DS2 was born approx 3 hours after getting to hospital, so I wasn't hooked up to a monitor for too long.

FWIW my Ob said that if a scalp monitor was used on bub (this was before I had DS2) then I would have more freedom of movement than if I was hooked up to an "ordinary" monitor.

I'm a little curious too as to why they'd tell you now they want a scalp monitor on bub's head ... would've thought that was something that would crop up as needed during your labour. Then again, I'm not a birth professional either!