Abstract

Frequent prenatal visits allow for early detection of fetal abnormalities and prevention of f etal mortality. While research has shown that the use of the fetal heart rate Doppler is superior compared to the Pinard stethoscope for detecting abnormal fetal heart rate, the usability of the device is limited in areas that lack consistent electricity sources or battery access. Our proposed device is a low-cost, self-powered method to monitor the fetal heart rate for pregnant women in low resource, rural areas in order to reduce fetal mortality and bridge key gaps in care. Using solar power and supplemental mechanical energy (via motor crank), this device is able to run without the need of replaceable batteries or an external power supply. Through multiple iterations and testing, our team was able to create a working prototype that incorporates key design input from stakeholders while also remaining compact and low cost. Future considerations include increasing the length of the battery life in order to assist in continuous monitoring for deliveries and further exploration on the adaptability of the device in developing countries.

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