Device for measuring fetal head pressure in childbirth

2023: Product Announcement

Researchers at University College London have developed a low-cost sensor device to help reduce the risk of stillbirth and maternal mortality during childbirth. The results of the work are published on January 30, 2023 in the journal Frontiers in Global Women's Health.

The novelty is a special glove that, during vaginal examinations, allows you to accurately determine the position of the fetus and the force applied to its head. The fact is that these factors are among the most important during childbirth: the size of the fetus or its location can block the passage through the birth canal. Doctors can use a wide range of technologies to control the situation. However, in low- and middle-income countries, these tools and skilled staff are not always available. Therefore, there is a high probability of stillbirth. The new development is designed to solve the problem.

A device has been developed to measure pressure on the head of the fetus during childbirth

The glove includes flexible pressure and force sensors attached to the fingertips. These sensors consist of nanocomposites of metal oxides that can generate electrical current when objects are touched or rubbed against. Information from sensors is transmitted in real time to a special mobile application.

During vaginal examinations, a second surgical glove can be worn over the sensory glove to maintain sterility. Tests have shown that the development makes it possible to determine the position of the cranial sutures of the fetus with 100 percent accuracy and record the pressure force. Moreover, the total cost of materials and sensors for creating a touch glove is only about one dollar. If successful, this technology can become a simple and inexpensive early warning system for difficult childbirth in low-resource regions.^[1]

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