Overview

The overall aim of this research proposal is to explore the feasibility and acceptability of home antenatal maternal-fetal monitoring technology within a high-risk pregnancy group. The investigators hypothesise that home monitoring is feasible and acceptable to both pregnant women and HCPs.

50 women from a single site will be recruited to use a home cardiotocography (CTG) device alongside routine antenatal care. Participants will use this device once a week, for an hour at a time, for up to 6 weeks or until delivery. The primary outcome is 20 minutes of continuous monitoring. Additional outcomes assess acceptability, adherence and safety.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged ≥18 years
• Gestational age 32+0 weeks onwards.
• Singleton pregnancy.
• Able to speak English
• Receiving antenatal care which includes routine antenatal fetal monitoring for one of the 6 index conditions (hypertensive disease in pregnancy, reduced fetal growth (small for gestational age and fetal growth restriction) obstetric cholestasis, PPROM, previous history of stillbirth and recurrent reduced fetal movements )
• Able to give written informed consent.
• Willing to attend hospital immediately in the event of an unexpected finding whilst using the home devices.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiple pregnancy.
• Fetal abnormalities or a non-viable fetus.
• Body mass index (BMI) ≥35
• Women with internal cardiac devices such as pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
• History of allergic reaction to skin adhesives and/or latex.
• Acute or chronic skin lesions and wounds in areas in contact with the device.