Which factor might necessitate closer fetal monitoring?

Closer fetal monitoring is often required for pregnancies affected by pre-existing maternal conditions, as these conditions can pose risks to both the mother and the fetus. For instance, conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune diseases may complicate a pregnancy and increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes, which necessitates more frequent or intensive surveillance of the fetus's well-being.

In these situations, healthcare providers closely monitor fetal heart rate patterns and other indicators to ensure that the fetus is not experiencing distress or any potential complications that could arise from the maternal condition. The emphasis on monitoring helps in early detection and management of any issues that could threaten the health of the fetus, ensuring timely interventions when necessary.

In contrast, factors like maternal ambulation, absence of maternal health issues, or routine check-ups typically do not warrant increased surveillance as they do not inherently indicate an elevated risk for fetal complications. Routine check-ups are designed to monitor the health of both the mother and fetus in a standard manner, while the absence of health issues suggests a stable pregnancy that might not require additional scrutiny.