Fetal Health Research Articles

Protective efficacy of a Zika purified inactivated virus vaccine candidate during pregnancy in marmosets

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy poses significant threats to maternal and fetal health, leading to intrauterine fetal demise and severe developmental malformations that constitute congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). As such, the development of a safe and effective ZIKV vaccine is a critical public health priority. However, the safety and efficacy of such a vaccine during pregnancy remain uncertain. Historically, the conduct of clinical trials in pregnant women has been challenging. Therefore, clinically relevant animal pregnancy models are in high demand for testing vaccine efficacy. We previously reported that a marmoset pregnancy model of ZIKV infection consistently demonstrated vertical transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Using this marmoset model, we also showed that vertical transmission could be prevented by pre-pregnancy vaccination with Zika purified inactivated virus (ZPIV) vaccine. Here, we further examined the efficacy of ZPIV vaccination during pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy elicited virus neutralizing antibody responses that were comparable to those elicited by pre-pregnancy vaccination. Vaccination also reduced placental pathology, viral burden and vertical transmission of ZIKV during pregnancy, without causing adverse effects. These results provide key insights into the safety and efficacy of ZPIV vaccination during pregnancy and demonstrate positive effects of vaccination on the reduction of ZIKV infection, an important advance in preparedness for future ZIKV outbreaks.

Temporal changes in pre-existing health conditions five years prior to pregnancy in British Columbia, Canada, 2000-2019.

Pre-existing health conditions increase the risk of obstetric complications during pregnancy and birth. However, the prevalence and recent changes in the frequency of pre-existing health conditions in the childbearing population remain unknown. To estimate the temporal changes in the prevalence of pre-existing health conditions among pregnant women in British Columbia, Canada. We carried out a population-based cross-sectional study of 825,203 deliveries in BC between 2000 and 2019 and examined 17 categories of physical and psychiatric health conditions recorded within 5 years before childbirth. We also undertook age-period-cohort analyses to evaluate temporal changes in pre-existing health conditions. The prevalence of any pre-existing health condition was 26.2% (n = 216,214) with overall trends remaining stable during the study period. Between 2000 and 2019, the prevalence rates of anxiety (5.6%-9.6%), bipolar (1.6%-3.4%), psychosis (0.7%-0.8%), and eating disorders (0.2%-0.3%) increased. The prevalence of hypertension increased sharply from 0.06% in 2000 to 0.3% in 2019. Diabetes mellitus and stroke rates increased, as did the prevalence of systemic lupus, multiple sclerosis, and chronic kidney disease. Advanced maternal age was strongly associated with both psychiatric and circulatory/metabolic conditions. A strong birth cohort effect was evident, with rates of psychiatric conditions increasing among women born after 1985. In British Columbia, Canada, 1 in 4 mothers had a pre-existing health condition 5 years prior to pregnancy. These findings underscore the need for multi-disciplinary care for women with pre-existing health conditions to improve maternal, foetal, and infant health.

A review of dairy food intake for improving health for black women in the US during pregnancy, fetal development, and lactation

Pregnancy and lactation are special life stages that require regular nutritional and medical attention to help protect the health of the mother and promote the growth and development of the offspring. Despite an increased focus on maternal and fetal health over the last several decades, the rates of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality are increasing in the United States (US). On average, Black women who are pregnant or lactating face greater health disparities and birth complications than other racial/ethnic groups in the US. The issues contributing to these disparities are multi-faceted and include sociocultural, economic, medical, and dietary factors. For example, Black women face greater rates of food insecurity, worse access to healthcare, and lower nutrient status when compared to White women. A growing body of research suggests that consuming a healthier dietary pattern is one of the most potent modifiable risk factors associated with improved fertility and reducing pregnancy-related complications. Recent publications have also shed light on the role of dairy foods in improving diet quality and nutrient status among Black women and for impacting maternal and fetal health outcomes, such as preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and fetal growth. To support healthy pregnancy and lactation, the current national dietary guidelines recommend the consumption of 3 servings of dairy foods per day. However, the vast majority of Black women in the US are falling short of these recommendations and are not meeting nutrient requirements for calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, strategies that target misconceptions surrounding lactose intolerance and focus on the health value of adequate dairy intake among Black women of child-bearing age may benefit both prenatal and postpartum health. This review presents the current evidence on health disparities faced by pregnant and lactating Black women in the US, and the role of dairy foods in supporting healthy pregnancy, fetal development, and lactation outcomes in this population.

Perilous myoma in the puerperium: A case report

Leiomyoma, a benign solid tumour found in the female genital tract, affects 3%-13% of pregnancies. These growths occur as sub serosal, intramural, or submucosal tumours. Approximately 10%–30% of pregnant women experience fibroid-related complications, such as spontaneous abortion, preterm labour, soft tissue dystocia, uterine inertia, feto pelvic disproportion, fetal malposition, and postpartum hemorrhage and a higher risk of caesarean delivery. This case report aims to shed light on the complexities arising in the postpartum period for women previously diagnosed with large fibroids during pregnancy. By exploring a specific case, this report emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these complications comprehensively. A 27-year-old primigravida sought antenatal care at 8 weeks of gestation with a 6cm intramural fibroid. Her pregnancy progressed smoothly, leading to a healthy vaginal delivery. However, at 7 weeks postpartum, she experienced pelvic discomfort, heavy lochia, and bleeding. Imaging revealed a submucosal fibroid protruding into the endometrial cavity with degenerating component Myomectomy performed. This case underscores the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of complications associated with large fibroids, spanning both the antenatal and postpartum periods. Heightened awareness and timely intervention are crucial to ensuring optimal outcomes for both maternal and foetal health.

“So that’s why I found PrEP to be safest way to protect yourself”: exploring IPV experiences and impact on HIV prevention among pregnant and postpartum women in Cape Town, South Africa

Intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs at alarmingly high rates towards pregnant women in South Africa. Experiences of emotional, physical, and sexual IPV in pregnancy can adversely impact the health and safety of mother and fetus. Furthermore, IPV is associated with increased risk of HIV, exacerbating the public health impact of violence among pregnant women in this HIV endemic setting. In-depth understanding of cultural and contextual drivers of experiences of IPV is a critical precursor to development of interventions effectively addressing this issue among pregnant women in South Africa. The present study examines factors contributing to IPV among pregnant women to identify potential points of intervention. We conducted twenty in-depth interviews with postpartum women who used oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in pregnancy and reported recent experiences of IPV and/or ongoing alcohol use in a township near Cape Town, South Africa that experiences a heavy burden of both HIV and IPV. Interpretive thematic analysis was used. Several patterns of IPV during pregnancy were identified and violence was frequently described as co-occurring with male partner alcohol use. A majority of women referenced oral PrEP as their preferred method for HIV prevention, highlighting the agency and discretion it provided as beneficial attributes for women experiencing IPV. Fear of judgement from peers for remaining with an abusive partner and a lack of clear community messaging around IPV were identified as barriers to disclosure and support-seeking. Addressing the lack of social support received by women experiencing IPV during pregnancy in South Africa is essential to comprehensive IPV programming.

Anaemia Prevention Among Pregnant Women

This paper offers a thorough analysis of the worldwide occurrence and consequences of anaemia, with particular emphasis on its effects during pregnancy. Anaemia, a condition marked by inadequate red blood cells, is widely prevalent worldwide, with the African area having the greatest occurrence. The study highlights the complex and varied character of anaemia, which may be caused by factors such as insufficient nutrition, infections, and genetic predispositions. Pregnant women are at a higher risk, thus specific measures are needed to manage iron deficiency and reduce the possibility of negative effects for both the mothers and neonates. The article discusses diagnostic techniques, highlighting the need of thorough examinations that take into account several elements. The repercussions of anaemia go beyond its immediate health effects, affecting cognitive and motor development, productivity, and increasing the chances of maternal and neonatal death. The research elucidates the interdependence of maternal and foetal health outcomes, underscoring the comprehensive care necessary throughout pregnancy. Suggestions include giving priority to evidence-based treatments and programmes for the prevention and management of anaemia, especially in groups at high risk. Effective implementation of preventative interventions relies on the essential collaboration of healthcare practitioners, dietitians, legislators, and communities. Ongoing research, education, and sharing of knowledge are crucial elements of a comprehensive worldwide strategy to tackle anaemia and improve the health outcomes of both mothers and their unborn babies.

Bioinformatics analysis identifies potential autophagy key genes and immune infiltration in preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease that seriously threatens maternal and fetal health. Appropriate autophagy can shield the placenta from oxidative stress, but its role in PE is unclear. To identify potential autophagy-related genes in PE. Microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, compassing the test dataset GSE10588, along with validation datasets GSE4707 and GSE60438 GPL10558, were utilized. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma R package, intersected with autophagy-related genes. Hub genes were obtained using the Cytoscape software and analyzed via gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The diagnostic capability of hub genes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Analysis of immune cell infiltration was conducted using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT methods. Placental tissues were collected from 10 normal pregnant women and 10 preeclamptic pregnant women, and the expression of hub genes was validated through immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Analysis of the microarray data identified 2224 DEGs, among which 26 were autophagy-related DEGs identified through intersection with autophagy genes. Ten hub genes were identified. Immune cell infiltration analysis suggested the potential involvement of T regulatory cells (Tregs), natural killer cells, neutrophils, and T follicular helper cells in the pathogenesis of PE. ROC curve analysis indicated promising diagnostic capabilities for EGFR and TP53. Additionally, levels of EGFR and TP53 were significantly higher in placental tissue from PE pregnancies compared to normal pregnancies. EGFR and TP53 may play a role in PE by influencing autophagy.

A Near Miss: Peri-mortem Caesarean Section

Maternal cardiac arrests are rare but serious events where recognition and prompt initiation of resuscitation are crucial. Obesity is a common risk factor encountered in disorders of pregnancy as well as maternal cardiac arrests. Cardiac arrest algorithms should be followed with some changes to accommodate maternal and fetal health. We present a case of a 32-year-old pregnant patient who had a perimortem caesarean section due to maternal cardiac arrest.

Preeclampsia Management and Maternal Ophthalmic Artery Doppler Measurements between 19 and 23 Weeks of Gestation.

Background: The ophthalmic Doppler is a reliable and impartial way to assess the severity of preeclampsia (PE). The study aimed to assess the potential utility of Doppler measurements of the maternal ophthalmic arteries during the weeks 19-23 of gestation, both independently and in combination with established biomarkers for PE. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving women who were recruited from a variety of standard appointments, including booking, scanning, and regular prenatal visits. A total of 200 women that were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups for developing PE were involved during the period between April 2023 and November 2023. Results: The ophthalmic ratio had significantly higher values in high-risk patients than in low-risk women (p = 0.000). There was a significant relationship between PSV2/PSV1 and gestational age at birth in women with PE compared to the ones who did not develop PE. Conclusions: An ophthalmic artery Doppler can play a crucial role in the early detection of PE, allowing for timely intervention and management. Incorporating the ophthalmic artery Doppler as a screening tool for PE in Bulgaria has the potential to improve early detection, risk stratification, and overall maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy with Vertebral Artery Aneurysm and Vasospasm Led to Vertebral Artery Dissection – A Case Report

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) can lead to various complications affecting maternal and fetal health. In this case report, we present the rare occurrence of vertebral artery aneurysm leading to vasospasm with vertebral artery dissection (VAD) in a woman having pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorder. Her clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management are discussed, highlighting the importance of early recognition and appropriate intervention. This case highlights the potential link between pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders and a rare vascular complication like vertebral artery aneurysm which may lead to vertebral artery dissection. The current literature consists of a few incidences documenting adverse outcomes and management. The incidence of recurrence of such events (arterial aneurysms and dissection) in subsequent pregnancies is unknown. Timely recognition, appropriate diagnostic evaluation, and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for optimal management and patient outcomes. Mugda Med Coll J. 2023; 6(2): 107-109

An Unexpected Cause of Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Acute abdomen during pregnancy is a condition that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment and threatens both maternal and fetal health. Adnexal masses may present different clinical presentations during pregnancy. The important thing is rapid diagnosis and application of the appropriate treatment method. Adnexal torsion should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute abdomen during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for organ-preserving surgery.
 In this article, we presented the successful treatment of a patient with laparoscopy surgery who applied to our clinic due to acute abdomen and was diagnosed with left ovarian torsion at 12 weeks' gestation.

Comprehensive Classification of Fetal Health Using Cardiotocogram Data Based on Machine Learning

In the realm of obstetrics, the evaluation of fetal health remains a paramount yet challenging endeavor. Traditional approaches, such as electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), despite their widespread adoption, continue to grapple with uncertainties regarding their impact on neonatal outcomes and the reduction of emergency cesarean deliveries. This ambiguity is compounded by a prevailing confusion within the obstetric community about interpreting fetal heart rate patterns, often leading to inconsistent and subjective assessments. Addressing these complexities, our study presents an innovative machine learning-based techniques for the comprehensive classification of fetal health using cardiotocogram (CTG) data, offering a more objective and nuanced alternative to conventional methods. The core of our proposed solution is a novel model employing a sophisticated ensemble of machine learning classifiers, including Multi-Support Vector Machine (Multi-SVM), Decision Tree, Random Forest with Hyperparameter Tuning, XGBoost, and Neural Networks. This model is unique in its application, processing datasets in four different forms: raw datasets, datasets processed with MinMaxScaler, datasets subjected to feature selection using SelectKBest, and a combination of MinMaxScaler processing and SelectKBest feature selection. Such meticulous preprocessing, encompassing normalization and feature selection, is pivotal in ensuring equitable contribution from each feature, thereby optimizing the model's learning process and predictive accuracy. The effectiveness of our model is rigorously evaluated using a dataset comprising 2126 individual records from CTG exams, classified by specialist obstetricians into three types: Normal, Suspect, and Pathological. These records are exhaustively analyzed using various metrics, including Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1-Score, ROC AUC, and Confusion Matrix. Among the classifiers, XGBoost emerged as the most proficient, consistently outperforming others across multiple metrics. This indicates its superior ability to accurately identify and categorize the different states of fetal health. Our findings thus underscore the significant promise of machine learning in revolutionizing fetal health monitoring, offering a more reliable, objective, and comprehensive method for assessing fetal well-being, with profound implications for prenatal care and clinical decision-making.

The role of the placenta-brain axis in psychoneuroimmune programming

Gestational exposures have enduring impacts on brain and neuroimmune development and function. Perturbations of pregnancy leading to placental structure/function deficits, cell stress, immune activation, and endocrine changes (metabolic, growth factors, etc.) all increase neuropsychiatric risk in offspring. The existing literature links obstetric diseases with placental involvement to offspring neuroimmune outcomes and neurodevelopmental risk. Psychoneuroimmune outcomes in offspring brain include changes to microglia, cytokine/chemokine production, cell stress, and long-term immunoreactivity. These outcomes are altered by structural, anti-angiogenic/hypoxic, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases of the placenta. This fetal programming occurs via direct placental passage or production of factors which can act directly on fetal brain substrates, or indirectly via action of circulating factors on intermediates in the placenta. Placental neuroendocrine, vascular/angiogenic, immune, and extracellular vesicular mechanisms are detailed. These mechanisms interact within various placental and pregnancy conditions. An increased understanding of the placental origins of psychoneuroimmunology will yield dividends for human health. Identifying maternal and placental biomarkers for fetal neuroimmune health may also revolutionize early diagnosis and precision psychiatry, empowering patients to make the best healthcare decisions for their families. Targeting placental mechanisms may be a valuable approach for the prevention and mitigation of intergenerational, lifelong neuropathology.

Insights into Placental Pathology: Analyzing Patterns and Fetal Outcomes in 205 Livebirths at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania

Background: The placenta facilitates vital nutrient exchange between fetus and mother, offering insights into fetal and maternal health. Despite its significance, research on placental histopathology in Tanzania is scarce. This study investigates placental features, maternal factors, and their impact on fetal outcomes at Bugando Medical Centre from January to May 2022. Methods: This 5-month cohort study included 205 mothers delivering at BMC. Fetal outcomes were evaluated at birth and after seven days, with maternal characteristics recorded at delivery. Participants were from the twenty-eighth week of gestation, excluding those with intrauterine fetal death or multiple pregnancies. Data on placental histology, maternal factors, and fetal outcomes were collected systematically, while statistical analysis employed STATA version 15, utilizing descriptive statistics. Results: In this study of 205 placentas, participants had a median age of 29 years and a mean gestational age of 38 weeks. Histopathological patterns were present in 61% of placentas, with acute inflammation (22%) and maternal vascular malperfusion (20.8%) being most common. Favorable outcomes were observed in 81% of newborns, while 19% experienced poor outcomes, including 1.9% early neonatal deaths. Most placental lesions were mild (53.6%), with severe pathology in 2.9% of cases. Acute inflammation correlated with various admission reasons, especially neonatal sepsis (60%). Maternal vascular lesions were associated with prematurity (63.6%) and birth asphyxia (40%). Chronic inflammation was more prevalent among low-birth-weight infants (18.8%), while very low birth weight was common in cases of maternal vascular lesions (68.8%). Conclusion: The majority of placentas showed normal or mild pathology, associated with positive fetal outcomes. Further research is needed to understand placental changes and their impact on maternal-fetal health.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: a promising alternative in the therapy of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a common morbid complication during pregnancy, affecting 2%-8% of pregnancies globally and posing serous risks to the health of both mother and fetus. Currently, the only effective treatment for PE is timely termination of pregnancy, which comes with increased perinatal risks. However, there is no effective way to delay pathological progress and improve maternal and fetal outcomes. In light of this, it is of great significance to seek effective therapeutic strategies for PE. Exosomes which are nanoparticles carrying bioactive substances such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, have emerged as a novel vehicle for intercellular communication. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) participate in various important physiological processes, including immune regulation, cell proliferation and migration, and angiogenesis, and have shown promising potential in tissue repair and disease treatment. Recently, MSC-Exos therapy has gained popularity in the treatment of ischaemic diseases, immune dysfunction, inflammatory diseases, and other fields due to their minimal immunogenicity, characteristics similar to donor cells, ease of storage, and low risk of tumor formation. This review elaborates on the potential therapeutic mechanism of MSC-Exos in treating preeclampsia, considering the main pathogenic factors of the condition, including placental vascular dysplasia, immunological disorders, and oxidative stress, based on the biological function of MSC-Exos. Additionally, we discuss in depth the advantages and challenges of MSC-Exos as a novel acellular therapeutic agent in preeclampsia treatment.

Effectiveness of Antenatal Exercises Program for the Management of Neck and Shoulder Pain

Background: Pregnancy is a significant period in a woman's life, often accompanied by various physical discomforts, including neck and shoulder pain. The management of these discomforts through non-pharmacological methods, particularly exercise, has gained attention due to its potential benefits for both maternal and fetal health. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured antenatal exercise program in reducing the severity of neck and shoulder pain, improving functional limitations, and enhancing the quality of life among pregnant women. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted at the Jinnah College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sohail University, Karachi, from June to December 2023. A total of 220 pregnant women between 14 to 30 weeks of gestation were recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=110) or a control group (n=110). The intervention group participated in a structured antenatal exercise program designed by certified physiotherapists, which included stretching, strengthening, and relaxation exercises targeting the neck and shoulder muscles. The control group received standard prenatal care. Data on pain severity, functional limitations, and quality of life were collected at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with p-values less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores from a baseline of 6.0 to 3.0 post-intervention, compared to the control group, which saw a decrease from 6.0 to 5.0 (p<0.01). Functional limitations were also significantly reduced in the intervention group, from 70% at baseline to 20% post-intervention, whereas the control group showed a reduction from 70% to 60% (p<0.01). Positive feedback regarding pain relief, mobility, and empowerment was reported by participants in the intervention group. Conclusion: The structured antenatal exercise program was effective in significantly reducing neck and shoulder pain and improving functional limitations among pregnant women. These findings suggest that antenatal exercise programs can be a valuable component of prenatal care, enhancing the overall well-being of pregnant women.

Fetal electrocardiogram prediction using machine learning: a random forest-based approach

<p class="IOPText">Monitoring fetal health during pregnancy ensures safe delivery and the newborn’s well-being. The fetal electrocardiogram (fetal ECG) is a valuable tool for assessing fetal cardiac health, but interpretation of ECG data can be challenging due to its complexity and variability. In this work, we explore the application of machine learning, particularly random forest, to predict and analyze fetal ECGs. With its ability to manage large datasets and provide precise insights, random forest is a promising solution for this challenge. By comparing our random forest-based approach with other standard machine learning techniques such as artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and recurrent neural networks (RNN), we observed that our solution outperformed these methods in accuracy, robustness, and reliability. This article details the methodology used, the implementation of the algorithm, as well as the comparative results obtained. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of random forest in this specific medical context, highlighting its potential as a future tool for fetal ECG prediction. Ultimately, our research suggests a shift toward random forest-based solutions for more efficient and accurate analysis of fetal ECGs, with direct implications for clinical practice and fetal well-being.</p>

Systematic Reviews and Synthesis without Meta-Analysis on Hydrotherapy for Pain Control in Labor

Background: Although there is scientific evidence regarding the use of water immersion during labor, this evidence is primarily focused on the first stage of labor. There is limited scientific evidence on water immersion during the second stage of labor. Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and synthesis of contemporary evidence related to water birth, with a specific focus on the second stage of labor. Methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature published between January 2018 and October 2023 was carried out. A synthesis of the results was conducted following the Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were utilized as information sources. The search strategy was designed using the keywords “immersion” and “parturition”, along with their relevant synonyms. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies employing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and quantitative and qualitative approaches focusing on pregnant women undergoing water immersion at any stage of the labor process. Results: Eleven articles were selected: two systematic reviews (one quantitative and one qualitative), five cohort studies, one case–control study, one cross-sectional observational study, and two qualitative studies. A thorough assessment of the methodology was performed using several specific tools: the Cochrane RoB 2 (Risk of Bias 2) tool for systematic reviews, JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research for qualitative studies, STROBE for observational descriptive studies, and CASPe for qualitative studies. The results provided fundamental insights that will contribute to conceptual standardization regarding the effects of water birth on maternal and fetal health. Additionally, a synthesis of the results was performed concerning types of delivery, analgesia use, pain perception, and maternal satisfaction with the water birth experience. Conclusions: In this study, we conclude that the results regarding delivery types, labor durations, and analgesia use found in the literature, along with statistically significant maternal/fetal effects, are crucial for making recommendations regarding the use of water during labor in any of its stages if the woman desires it safely.

Fetal Health Anxiety: A Validity and Reliability Study of the Turkish Version of the Fetal Health Anxiety Inventory

Fetal Health Anxiety: A Validity and Reliability Study of the Turkish Version of the Fetal Health Anxiety Inventory

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Electronic Fetal Monitoring

AbstractElectronic fetal monitoring is used to evaluate fetal well-being by assessing fetal heart activity. The signals produced by the fetal heart carry valuable information about fetal health, but due to non-stationarity and present interference, their processing, analysis and interpretation is considered to be very challenging. Therefore, medical technologies equipped with Artificial Intelligence algorithms are rapidly evolving into clinical practice and provide solutions in the key application areas: noise suppression, feature detection and fetal state classification. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the field of electronic fetal monitoring has demonstrated the efficiency and superiority of such techniques compared to conventional algorithms, especially due to their ability to predict, learn and efficiently handle dynamic Big data. Combining multiple algorithms and optimizing them for given purpose enables timely and accurate diagnosis of fetal health state. This review summarizes the currently used algorithms based on artificial intelligence and machine learning in the field of electronic fetal monitoring, outlines its advantages and limitations, as well as future challenges which remain to be solved.