251. Detection of the fetal ECG during labour by an intrauterine probe.
- Author
-
Randall NJ, Steer PJ, and Sutherland IA
- Subjects
- Electrodes, Equipment Design, Female, Fetal Monitoring methods, Humans, Labor, Obstetric, Pregnancy, Uterus, Electrocardiography instrumentation, Fetal Monitoring instrumentation, Heart Rate, Fetal
- Abstract
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.
- Published
- 1988
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