Fetal heart rate monitors no substitute for medical advice

November 6, 2009 by Shawn Douglas
Filed under: News, Pregnancy

Fetal heart rate monitors shouldn’t be used as a replacement for a proper medical warned doctors.

Doctors have published information in the British Medical Journal warning that fetal monitors, used to listen to a baby’s heartbeat, may give “false reassurance” and unnecessary anxiety to parents who use them.

The warning follows on the heels of a case where a 34-year-old expectant mother noticed that her baby’s movement had decreased while 38 weeks into her pregnancy. Consulting the fetal monitor, she was reassured to hear a heartbeat.

However, a few days later she went to the hospital after not being able to detect a heartbeat. The doctors performed an emergency ultrasound only to discover that her baby had died in the womb.

Dr. Abhijoy Chakladar, the anesthetist that treated the patient at Princess Royal Hospital, told the BBC that while the death may have been unavoidable, the use of the monitor delayed the woman from seeking medical advice at the hospital.

“These monitors are great fun as long as they are just used for a bit of bonding with the baby or play with older siblings,” said Dr. Chakladar, co-author of the published warning.

“But they become dangerous when they’re used by untrained people as an alternative to seeking medical attention.”

“Expectant mothers who notice a reduction in fetal movement or have any other concerns about their baby’s health should instead contact their midwife or labor ward for expert advice and reassurance.”

Mervi Jokinen, from the Royal College of Midwives, agreed, telling the BBC, “These devices may be sold as a bit of fun for parents to use, but let me be categorically clear; there is absolutely no substitute for speaking to your midwife or doctor as soon as possible if you think that there is something wrong during your pregnancy.”