Does internal fetal monitoring cause the baby to feel any discomfort? one was placed on my baby during l & d.

Probably.: Fetal discomfort/pain is a very delicate issue that almost impossible to study scientifically. Based on responses measurable externally (e.g. Heart rate, activity) one assumes that the fetus is annoyed by the scalp electrode and possibly even by the intrauterine pressure catheter if it passes too close to delicate tissues (eyes, nose, ears), however we cannot quantify this, nor can we be sure.

No: We can't ask the baby if he or she feels anything so it is impossible to answer. But, the monitor wire is only attached to the skin of the scalp and does not extend any deeper. Since the internal fetal electrode is placed to give a more accurate reading of the baby's heart rate during labor, the benefit of placing it in certain situations is strongly felt to outweigh any risk.