Capturing fetal heart activity using ECG technology
Official title: Can Conventional ECG Technology Capture Fetal Cardiac Activity?
Run by University of Washington · NCT03111173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special heart monitor can accurately capture a baby's heartbeat in pregnant women who are 32 weeks along or more.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 2, 2017 |
| Main results expected | June 2025 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 18, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT03111173 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are singleton or twin pregnant women who are between 32 weeks gestation and full term.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are in active labor will not benefit from this study as they are excluded from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This feasibility study aims to determine if a Holter ECG device can effectively capture fetal cardiac activity. Pregnant women between 32 weeks gestation and full term will have both a Holter ECG device and a standard Doppler Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) device attached to their abdomen for a 30-minute recording. The study will compare the data obtained from the Holter device with the standard Doppler FHR readings to validate the algorithm for extracting fetal heart rate from the ECG signals. The procedure will be conducted after routine antepartum testing, ensuring the safety and comfort of the participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more accurate and non-invasive method for monitoring fetal heart activity.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, it is not widely tested, making it a novel exploration in fetal monitoring.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Singleton or twin pregnant women at 32 weeks gestation to full term after routine antepartum testing. Exclusion Criteria: * None.
Where it's running
-
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Martin G Frasch, MD, PhD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Martin G Frasch, MD, PhD
- Email: mfrasch@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-543-5892
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.