Modern approaches to fetal monitoring: how technologies change obstetrics

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Why do you need fetal monitoring?

Fetal monitoring is a set of methods for observing the condition of the fetus and mother during pregnancy and childbirth. Its main goal is to timely identify signs of hypoxia, disturbances in the heart rhythm of the fetus, as well as evaluate the contractile activity of the uterus and the general condition of the woman. According to the World Health Organization, about 2.6 million newborns annually die in the first weeks of life, and a significant part of these cases is associated with the late diagnosis of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/levels-and-trends-in-child-mortlyity-report-2019).

The use of modern monitoring technologies allows you to reduce risks for the mother and child, increase the effectiveness of obstetric care and improve the forecast for newborns.

Fetal monitoring technologies: from classics to innovation

Traditionally, auscultation of the heartbeat and manual palpation of the uterus were used to assess the condition of the fetus. However, these methods are subjective and do not always allow time to identify deviations. Modern fetal monitoring systems use electronic devices that automatically record and analyze the physiological parameters of the mother and fetus.

The key functions of modern monitors include:

• Frequency frequency measurement (heart rate)
• Registration of uterine contractions
• Simultaneous monitoring of the state of the mother (for example, pulse, blood pressure)
• Automatic data interpretation and identification of coincidences (for example, using Smart Pulse technology)
• The possibility of wireless monitoring, which ensures freedom of woman’s movements

Modern systems allow monitoring not only with uniform, but also with multiple pregnancy, which is especially important for the timely detection of complications in twins or triplets.

Advantages of modern fetal monitoring systems

The introduction of innovative technologies into obstetric practice significantly expanded the possibilities of doctors and increased the safety of patients. Among the main advantages can be distinguished:

• High measurement accuracy and minimization of the human factor
• Automatic processing and storage of data, which facilitates the analysis of the dynamics of the state
• The possibility of integration with obstetric information systems for the complex management of the patient
• Wireless and solid decisions that increase the comfort of a woman during childbirth
• Safety for mother and fetus confirmed by clinical studies (see review: Grivell RM, Alfirevic Z. “Continous CardiotoCography (CTG) AS AS ALECTRONIC FETAL MONITORING (EFM) For Fetal Assessment Duning Labour «, Cochrane Database Syst Rev.

Comparative table of the possibilities of modern fetal monitoring systems

Parameter	Traditional methods	Modern electronic systems
Measurement accuracy	Average depends on the experience of the specialist	High, automatic registration
The possibility of long -term monitoring	Limited	Around the clock, including remotely
Comfort for the patient	Limited	High (wireless and safe solutions)
Analysis of state dynamics	Complicated, requires manual records	Automated, integration with IT systems

Indications and features of application

Fetal monitoring is indicated for all pregnancies with a high risk of complications: multiple, gestosis, diabetes, transferred or premature pregnancy, as well as with suspected intrauterine hypoxia. However, modern recommendations (the Russian Society of Obstetro-Gynecologists, 2021) indicate the feasibility of using monitoring and in the physiological course of pregnancy to increase the safety of childbirth.

Of particular importance is the possibility of simultaneous monitoring of several fruits and mother, which allows you to timely identify individual deviations and adjust the tactics of childbirth.

Real reviews of specialists

“Modern systems of fetal monitoring allow us not only to timely identify complications, but also to ensure an individual approach to each patient. This is especially important when conducting births of high risk «— notes MD, professor, head of the department of obstetrics and gynecology of Sechenov University V.A. Baranov (Source: Interview with the Medvestnik portal, 2022).

“Square solutions in obstetrics are not only comfort for a woman, but also the possibility of more accurate control over the condition of the fetus without limiting mobility”—the doctor’s obstetrician-gynecologist E.Yu. shares his experience. Kuznetsova (Source: Magazine «Practical Medicine», 2023).

Integration with information systems

Another important area of development is the integration of fetal monitors with obstetric information systems. This allows you to conduct electronic document management, store and analyze data in dynamics, as well as provide access to information for all participants in the medical process. This approach helps to increase the efficiency of medical personnel and reduces the risk of errors.

To obtain more detailed information about the possibilities of modern monitoring systems, you can familiarize yourself with the materials on Fetal monitoring on specialized resources.

Conclusion

Fetal monitoring is an integral part of modern obstetric practice, ensuring the safety of mother and child. Innovative technologies can increase the accuracy of diagnosis, reduce complications risks and provide an individual approach to each patient. The introduction of electronic monitoring systems and integration with information platforms open up new opportunities for improving the quality of medical care in perinatology.

Recommended literature

• Gromova O.A., Kulakov V.I. «Obstetrics: National leadership.» -M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2021.
• Grivell RM, Alfirevic Z. “Continous Cardiotocography (CTG) As A Form of Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) For Fetal Assessment During Labour”, Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017.
• Russian society of obstetrician gynecologists. Clinical recommendations for pregnancy and childbirth, 20 21.
• Who. «NewBorns: Improving Survival and Well-Being.» Fact Sheet, 2019.