Fetal position monitoring system and method

Abstract

The invention provides a fetal position monitoring system, comprising an abdominal belt or a glove comprising a force and / or deformation sensor arrangement for obtaining resistance information of a plurality of local areas of the abdomen in response to an applied pressure. A data analysis processor interprets the resistance information to derive a fetal position and / or fetal size and optionally also fetal movement and an output is provided giving a representation of the fetal position and / or fetal size and optionally also fetal movement. This system provides a way of generating an output of the fetal position or size which requires minimum medical knowledge of the user, and it may be used at home.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a fetal position monitoring system and method. Background technique [0002] During pregnancy, expectant mothers often want to know as much information as possible about their baby, including fetal position, fetal size and fetal movement, and they also want to start interacting with their unborn baby as early as possible . [0003] In obstetrics, the Leopold's maneuver is a common and systematic method used to determine the position of the fetus in a woman's uterus after 24 weeks of gestation. [0004] There are four steps known as Fundal Grip, Lateral Grip, Head Grip (Pawlick's Grip) and Pelvic Grip. [0005] A trained healthcare provider (HCP) manually compresses certain abdominal regions using certain gestures and pressures, and thus determines fetal position and estimates fetal size and weight. For example, under the first maneuver, fetal body parts can be distinguished by the sensation that the head is firm, fi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] Both procedures are clinical solutions and are not suitable for home use as they require the use of specialized skills, or access to diagnostic ultrasound equipment

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