Intrauterine detection of fetal phonocardiosignals.

In this paper the application of an open-tip phonocatheter for the detection of fetal phonocardiosignals during parturition is described. The phonocatheter is easily inserted with a conventional polythene guide via the cervical route. The fetal heart sounds are detected by the sound pick-up element located in the catheter tip. Intrauterine pressure is measured simultaneously with the help of a Statham uterine pressure transducer externally connected via the lumen to the open tip of the phonocatheter. Since fetal heart sounds can also be detected before rupture of the membranes, it is possible to measure intrauterine pressure and fetal heart activity simultaneously using only one catheter and without being limited to a particular stage in parturition.