Improving Fetal Health Monitoring: A Review of the Latest Developments and Future Directions

Devices for monitoring heart rate and fetal movement are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the latest technological advancements. However, there is a pressing need for a more comprehensive review and analysis of these tools. The objective of this literature review is to identify fetal health monitoring devices, evaluate the sensitivity of monitoring fetal heart rate and growth/movement, and determine the target users for these devices. Method, the search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases, with PICO-based keywords that included pregnant women or pregnancy as the population, fetal or heart rate monitoring tool or fetal movement tool with sensitivity or reactivity as the research interest. A total of 2077 papers were initially identified, with 25 selected after article screening using the PRISMA approach and critical appraisal with JBI. Results, the analysis classified into four categories: the development of monitoring devices for fetal well-being, algorithm for more accurate maternal-fetal FHR filtering, fetal well-being indicators, and target users. The monitoring technology applied wave detection through cardiography and myography. The devices demonstrated a signal sensitivity of more than 75% for both the mother and the fetus. Conclusions, the analysis of the 25 articles revealed that monitoring technology is rapidly evolving, but almost all devices are designed for use by health workers. Only the Piezo Polymer Pressure Sensor is intended for independent monitoring by mothers and families. The development and research of independent fetal monitoring are necessary to improve monitoring during the new adaptation period after the Covid-19 pandemic.