The Effect of Pressure Exerted on the Maternal Abdominal Wall by the Ultrasound Probe on Fetal Heart Rate

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The aim of the study is to assess the change of fetal heart rate in response to the amount of pressure exerted on the maternal abdomen. The amount of pressure will be quantified using an electronic pressure sensor (FSR 400- Round Force Sensor, Interlink).

Detailed Description
-----------------
Previous studies have shown a fetal cardiovascular effect to the pressure exerted on the maternal abdomen. Our null hypothesis is that there is a correlation between fetal heart rate changes and pressure exerted on the fetus through the maternal abdomen. Women at term pregnancy coming for a routine cardiotocography monitor, will undergo 5 minutes of quantified pressure on their abdomen, using the electronic pressure sensor. The amount of pressure will be recorded as well as the fetal heartbeat baseline and changes to the heart rate following the application of pressure.

Official Title
-----------------
The Effect of Pressure Exerted on the Maternal Abdominal Wall by the Ultrasound Probe on Fetal Heart Rate

Conditions
-----------------
Pregnancy

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Procedure: maternal abdominal pressure


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: over 18 years of age singleton pregnancy term (37-41 weeks of gestation) consented undergoing routine cardiotocography (CTG) Exclusion Criteria: referred to the ER due to non reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR) recognition of NRFHR pattern on CTG at the ER self reporting of reduced fetal movement perception unconsented patient

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Patients before/after Pressure Exertion<br>100 pregnant patients at term in low risk pregnancies, undergoing a routine cardiotocography, will experience different amounts of manual pressure on their abdomen. The amount of pressure applied will be recorded and the fetal heart rate will be compared before and at the time of maternal abdominal pressure. | Procedure: maternal abdominal pressure<br>* The fetal cardiac response of either acceleration, deceleration or no change at all to the fetal heart- will be recorded and later on analyzed in reference to the amount of pressure applied from the 20th minute of CTG and for 5 minutes, using the FSR 400 sensor.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in fetal baseline heart rate, including accelerations and decelerations | pressure will be applied after the 20th minute of CTG monitoring and for a total of 5 minutes | immediately after applying pressure to the maternal abdomen | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Heart Rate, Fetal, Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Transducers, Pressure