Creating a low-cost system to monitor fetal heart activity

Development of low-cost optically pumped magnetometer system for fetal applications

NIH-funded research Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11036264

This study is working on a new, affordable way to safely check your baby's heart activity during pregnancy using a comfortable device, so doctors can better monitor your baby's health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Little Rock, United States)
Project IDNIH-11036264 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new, affordable technology to monitor fetal heart activity using a non-invasive method called fetal magnetocardiography (FMCG). The team aims to design and validate a 24-channel optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) system that can be used comfortably by pregnant women, allowing for better assessment of fetal cardiac health. By utilizing advanced bioengineering techniques, this project seeks to overcome the limitations of existing systems, such as high costs and rigid designs. The goal is to provide healthcare providers with improved tools for monitoring fetal well-being during pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women in their third trimester who require monitoring of fetal heart activity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those in the early stages of pregnancy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accessible and effective monitoring of fetal heart health, potentially improving outcomes for both mothers and babies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise with similar non-invasive monitoring techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Little Rock, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.