Scientists in Poland have developed a fetal heart monitor that can be used on the move, so pregnant women can monitor the heart rate and movement of their unborn child. Liane Wimhurst reports.

WROCLAW, POLAND (Reuters) – Scientists in Poland have invented Pregnabit, a mobile version of a foetal heart monitor

Currently pregnant women only really know their child is ok at the hospital

This device hopes to change that

PREGNABIT INVENTOR, PATRYCJA WIZINSKA-SOCHA,

“The idea of a mobile CTG (cardiotocograph) appeared when a real situation touched us personally, one of our friends had a still birth. After that we checked the data, both in Poland and globally, and it turned out that the perinatal death rate is high and I am strongly convinced that we can decrease it

Pregnabit fits into a small case and can be used on the move

It tracks foetal heart rate and movement, and contractions of the uterus

CO-INVENTOR OF THE PREGNABIT DEVICE, BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER, ANNA SKOTNY,

“A woman can take the device home with her, send the results at any time day or night and our medical staff – midwives and doctors – will get back to her with information, in case of danger they will give guidance.”

Scientists at Nestmedic hope to build a web interface for patients to see their history

They’re still testing Pregnabit but say the first fifty devices should be available soon.