Detection of the fetal ECG during labour by an intrauterine probe.
The feasibility of detecting the fetal ECG (FECG) from within the uterus in labour by a technique which is non-invasive to the fetus, has been investigated. The design of a special multi-electrode flexible probe has demonstrated that the FECG can be obtained with signal amplitudes of 20-300 microV and a success rate similar to that of the scalp electrode. Under favourable conditions very large signals can be detected in utero compared to a scalp electrode, but average signal amplitudes are lower. The probe is suitable as a carrier for other sensors such as pressure and temperature transducers. Currently, simultaneous FECG and intrauterine pressure measurement using a commercially available transducer within the same probe has been achieved.
Randall
N J
NJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.
Steer
P J
PJ
Sutherland
I A
IA
D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D011247:Pregnancy; D014599:Uterus