title: The development of an obstetric tele-monitoring system.
abstract: Fetal growth restriction and preterm uterine contractions can turn a normal pregnancy into a problematic one. In previous work, we have developed a system for electrophysiological measurement of fetal heart rate (fHR), fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) and (premature) uterine contractions to enable early detection of foetal problems. In this work we have expanded this system into a tele-monitoring system for measurement at home. In order to permit home monitoring, the communication chain of the data has to be designed such that home-measured signals (fHR, fECG, uterine activities) are available in the hospital in real-time. Furthermore, the data must be transferred wirelessly to any location (worldwide) for interpretation by gynaecologists. A web application helps the gynaecologist or midwife to access the signals everywhere, provided that internet access is available. We developed a webserver as the heart of the entire system; it manages the patient database, transforms the signals in a graphical representation similar to that of the cardiotocography and manages the data communication with the proper data security policy. This tele-monitoring system can be used also during home deliveries enabling prompt transfer and proper intervention in the hospital when complications occur.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vermeulen-Giovagnoli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: van der Hout-van der Jagt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mischi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van Pul
authors.forename: E J E
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Cottaar
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Oei
mesh_terms: D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D063731:Mobile Applications; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000502:physiology