Capturing fetal heart activity using ECG technology

Can Conventional ECG Technology Capture Fetal Cardiac Activity?

NA · University of Washington · NCT03111173

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Washington (other)
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT03111173 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are singleton or twin pregnant women who are between 32 weeks gestation and full term.

Not a fit: Patients who are in active labor will not benefit from this study as they are excluded from participation.

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 performed: While this approach is innovative, it is not widely tested, making it a novel exploration in fetal monitoring.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Fetal Monitoring, ECG, Fetus, R peak extraction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.