Detection of the fetal ECG during labour by an intrauterine probe

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.