Monitoring fetal wellbeing using abdominal sounds
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Utilising abdominal sounds collected via a wearable device for monitoring foetal wellbeing in pregnant women
IRAS ID
318247
Contact name
Cecilia Mascolo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
Monitoring the heart of an unborn baby is crucial in pregnancy, particularly for identifying early signs of foetal distress such as hypoxia, a key contributor to foetal death and neurodevelopmental disabilities[1-3]. This monitoring is performed using a hospital-based cardiotocograph (CTG) which collects continuous foetal heart rate data via an ultrasound probe, alongside uterine contractions, while mothers note baby movements[4]. The CTG, however, is bulky, costly, requires a trained professional, and restricts the mother's movement due to numerous cables and straps.
In contrast, the "Patchkeeper V2" device, developed by Nokia Bell Labs as a research prototype, can offer more accessible data collection. Weighing 56g, it integrates a microphone for abdominal sounds, an electrocardiogram (ECG) module, and a photoplethysmograph for biometrics, all within a small module with a stick-on patch. Data is stored on an SD card and can be viewed in real-time via Bluetooth on a smartphone.
The objective of this study is to evaluate if modalities other than ultrasound, like audible sound or ECG, can assess unborn baby wellbeing. This device has substantial potential, improving pregnant women's comfort and mobility during data collection, reducing costs significantly, and enabling operation by non-professionals.
[1] https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg190
[2] https://elearning.rcog.org.uk/obstetrics/electronic-foetal-monitoring/key-learning-points
[3] Sweha, A., Hacker, T. W., & Nuovo, J. (1999). Interpretation of the electronic fetal heart rate during labor. American family physician, 59(9), 2487–2500.
[4] Grivell, R. M., Alfirevic, Z., Gyte, G. M., & Devane, D. (2015). Antenatal cardiotocography for fetal assessment. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2015(9).REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0074
Date of REC Opinion
24 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion