Background Information
Electric
fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is used to measure fetal health during
pregnancy and until labor. The fetal heart rate undergoes constant and minute
adjustments in response to fetal environment and stimuli. Currently, the single
Doppler ultrasound transducer is known to be the most popular instrument that
is used in many hospitals for detection of fetal heart rate during pregnancy
and labor. The Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive test that can be used to measure
the blood flow and blood pressure by bouncing ultrasound off circulating red
blood cells in the patient. The Doppler ultrasound can monitor how fast blood
is moving in the umbilical blood flow. Thus, the detection of irregular blood
blow can be determined, which can determine if the fetus is healthy, or
abnormal, indicating that the fetus is under stress.
Current FHR monitors observe the fetal heart rate by placing a restraining strap under the patient in the supine position. An adequate amount of ultrasonic coupling gel is spread on the maternal abdomen with the transducer face is placed above. The transducer is connected with the heart rate monitor by wires. This limits the mobility of the mother which can result in causing additional stress and discomfort to the mother. Thus, our client seeks to improve the current product and design a portable fetal heart rate monitor.
Current FHR monitors observe the fetal heart rate by placing a restraining strap under the patient in the supine position. An adequate amount of ultrasonic coupling gel is spread on the maternal abdomen with the transducer face is placed above. The transducer is connected with the heart rate monitor by wires. This limits the mobility of the mother which can result in causing additional stress and discomfort to the mother. Thus, our client seeks to improve the current product and design a portable fetal heart rate monitor.