Long distance telemetry of fetal heart rate from patients' homes using public telephone network.

Abstract

Long distance telemetry of fetal heart rate from patients' homes using public telephone network Sporadic reports have been published on intrapartum fetal heart rate telemetry over short distances, but there have been conflicting reports on its acceptability to patients and its influence on the course of labour.' 2 Transmission of electrocardiographic signals in adults using the public telephone network has also been reported.3 We describe a new technique of monitoring the fetal heart rate antenatally by telemetry. This technique may be used from the patient's home through the public telephone network, for prolonged periods of time and over distances of many miles. The heart signal may then be computer processed and displayed in real time within the obstetric unit for immediate assessment.