A fetal monitor is the most effective tool for diagnosing and monitoring the condition of the fetus in the womb. It is easy to use, compact and allows for a long time to observe the heartbeat and movement of the fetus, as well as the contractions of the uterus. That is why dopplers and fetal displays are most widely used in maternity hospitals and obstetric wards.
Using Doppler, you can objectively assess the condition of the fetus during labor. And with a fetal monitor, the received data can be output to a computer and printed.
Manufacturers
Today, this equipment is produced by many manufacturers of medical equipment and new companies. On the Russian market, you can find models in all price categories of both domestic and imported brands.
The products of the reputable American brand General Electric are equipped with many additional features and can be used both during the antenatal period and during childbirth. The company's devices allow you to track the heartbeat of twins without signaling. Wireless devices do not restrict patient movement. Monitors are equipped with sensors that are designed for use in water during childbirth. Although the purchase of the device of this company will cost a lot, but for clinics that provide first-class services - this is what you need.
Models of no less well-known manufacturer of fetal monitors Philips Medical Systems can be attributed to the same price category. They can be of great help in high-risk labor and are able to monitor triplets at the same time. The equipment is equipped with wireless sensors. In the process of diagnosis, you can visually track the information received in the form of a variety of color charts.
Products of South Korean manufacturers and the domestic company DIXION can be attributed to a more affordable price category.
Difficulty choosing
When choosing a monitor, it is necessary to take into account that more expensive models differ in functionality and technical equipment. For example, a more advanced fetal monitor can detect fetal heart, uterus, and fetal movement.
The various modifications of monitors now available have the following main characteristics, which are worth paying attention to:
- measurement of intrauterine pressure;
- ECG, blood pressure, heart rate, SpO2, temperature, detection of arrhythmia;
- determination of the frequency of contractions of the heart of the child, its mobility, automatic frequency analysis with the determination of points;
- Manual setting of the “alarm” limit;
- print data from the daily archive and in real time;
- audible warning signals.
According to the instructions for the fetal monitor, it can be used at temperatures and humidity not exceeding the limits of 5-40 ° C and ≤ 80%, and during transportation and storage 20-55 ° C and ≤ 93%. Warranty service usually does not cover damage that is caused by damage to the device or improper use.
Home use
Initially, the fetal monitor was intended only for professional use in an inpatient hospital setting. However, in recent times, future parents have been buying devices for home use. Portable models are especially suitable for these purposes.
It should only be remembered that doctors do not recommend the very frequent use of these devices. They can be used after 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, but in this case, it is imperative that the doctor conducting the pregnancy is observed.
Advantages, sizes and principles of work
This type of equipment allows you to accurately and quickly assess the condition of the fetus. And also, in time to notice any deviations and pathologies in the process of labor.
All modern models have compact dimensions of the fetal monitor, have high sensitivity, and are also easy to use.
The principle of operation of such devices has such distinguishing features as safety and high accuracy. Intuitive hints are built into the device, and there is also a function for saving information. The average overall size of the devices is 295 x 240 x 73 mm.
Famous clinics use multifunctional models that allow research in multiple pregnancies. They will also help during difficult births.
Fetal CTG monitor allows you to conduct the most informative studies, and based on the information received will help you choose the necessary tactics for managing the entire pregnancy.
Budget models
Optimal monitors in terms of price and quality are produced, as mentioned above, by Russian and South Korean manufacturers. Their devices are made with high quality. They will provide accurate research and will last a long time.
Bionics - monitor models from South Korea. They have earned popularity due to their affordable price and high quality. After analyzing the needs, you can purchase a large, medium or small display, as well as a device for the study of multiple pregnancy. Their models are Russified and transmit the image and sound of the highest quality. The most popular models are Bionics and Bistos. They have overall dimensions of 806 x 330 x 280 mm.
They have earned their popularity due to their light weight and compact size, the most accurate diagnosis of the condition of the child and mother and ease of use. If necessary, a variety of options can be added to the standard model. For example, a sensor of fetal awakening, examination of several fetuses, registration of an ECG of the fetus.
Unicos
The Russian manufacturer, together with specialists from the Scientific Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, has developed monitor models that combine maximum research accuracy and the latest technology. The equipment uses unique software that provides error-free results and a complete picture of the patient’s health. The main feature of Unikos monitors is the option of automatic calculation due to special cardiotocography programs.
Fetal monitors of this company are based on laptops. Disconnecting it from the medical unit can be used as a regular laptop. In addition, the advantages of this technique are:
- direct connection to the printer;
- almost unlimited memory;
- instant printout of data;
- network connection for synchronization with other PCs;
- small sizes;
- high resolution monitor;
- mobility in movement.
All of the above characteristics make it possible to call Unikos monitors one of the most innovative and high-quality devices of this class, which have no analogues in the world.
Sonicaid team care
Diagnostic devices from the UK have a high degree of reliability, allow you to assess the health status of the child and identify possible developmental abnormalities in the early stages. Their fetal monitors calculate parameters in automatic mode, and also have the ability to switch to manual mode.
The device allows you to archive the necessary data and use them in the future, and it can also give an alarm signaling tachycardia. On the interactive screen, the information is displayed in Russian, and the built-in thermal printer allows you to instantly print the results of the study.