ABSTRACT
Remote monitoring using transfer of digital signals by Modem device. Monitors are used by pregnant women, in their own homes, and signals are transmitted to an obstetric unit for interpretation using the public telephone network system. Domiciliary fetal monitoring (DFM) needs to be distinguished from the continuous electrical fetal monitoring that is routinely applied to women during labour. DFM is a totally different application which allows for early intervention in high risk pregnancies. Monitors derive the fetal heart rate from the Doppler shift wave form, produced by fetal heart movements when isolated by ultrasound from an external transducer on the mother's abdomen. Telephone call costs are borne by the user. Domiciliary fetal monitoring, as part of an integrated domiciliary antenatal care scheme, is a model of good practice that can and should be extended to other antenatal care service organizations. Inequities nevertheless occur due to lack of equipment, especially telephones, in homes.
