Which of the following is a common indication for fetal monitoring?

Fetal monitoring is primarily indicated in high-risk pregnancies because it helps assess the well-being of the fetus and detect any potential distress or complications early on. High-risk factors can include maternal age, health conditions, previous pregnancy complications, or other factors that may increase the chance of adverse outcomes for either the mother or the fetus. By employing fetal monitoring in these situations, healthcare providers can closely observe the fetal heart rate and other parameters, allowing for timely interventions that can improve outcomes.

In contrast, low maternal age, routine check-ups, and absent maternal conditions generally do not warrant intensive monitoring since they do not typically indicate a significant risk of complications for the pregnancy. Routine check-ups focus more on standard prenatal care rather than close monitoring, and absent maternal conditions suggest that there's no reason for heightened surveillance. Hence, high-risk pregnancies are where fetal monitoring plays a crucial role in optimizing care and ensuring safety.