The Women’s LifeCare Center recently began using wireless fetal monitors, much to the delight of its patients. Director of the Women’s LifeCare Center, Teresa Lilly, RNC, says they use the monitor on expectant mothers who are at 37 weeks’ gestation or later. “The ability to move around helps the labor process, and this monitor gives them so much more freedom to do that. They can walk around, or sit on a yoga ball, or lay in a position that is comfortable for them while they are having contractions, and there are no cables or belts in the way,” says Lilly. “Our patients love it because it gives them more control over their own comfort.”
The monitors use Bluetooth® technology to wirelessly communicate with the device placed on the mother’s stomach. “There is a patch that adheres to the top of the abdomen and a small device that connects to it to pick up fetal and maternal signals. Data is transmitted via the Bluetooth to an interface, so the nurses can keep an eye on the baby’s activity,” says Lilly.
New mom Kathryn Hyatt recently used the monitor when she gave birth to her daughter in June, and was thrilled with her entire experience. “It was really comfortable. I didn’t have to worry about any bands sliding off my stomach, or getting tangled up in any wires, and there was no bulky equipment,” she says. “I was able to change my position and get up and walk around without worrying about them losing signal of my baby’s movements.”
Hyatt also adds that her whole birth experience was awesome. “The nurses were incredible – they were very patient, they pampered me and provided whatever I needed,” she says. “This is a really great hospital, and I would totally recommend it, especially the labor and delivery department.”
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