WO2015082987A1

WO2015082987A1 - Fetomaternal parameter monitoring system

Info

Publication number: WO2015082987A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/002669
Authority: WO
Inventors: Balaji Teegala; Anirudh CHATURVEDI; Abhinav RAMANI; Prashant Jha; Neerja BHATLA
Original assignee: Secretary, Department Of Biotechnology
Priority date: 2013-12-06
Filing date: 2014-12-05
Publication date: 2015-06-11

Abstract

A monitoring system (100) for monitoring fetomaternal parameters includes a flexible patch (104) for covering abdomen of the patient. The flexible patch (104) includes sensors (274) for detecting fetal heart rate (FHR) and at least two electrodes for monitoring uterine contractions of the patient. The monitoring system (100) also includes a wearable pressure handcuff (106) connected to the flexible patch (104). The wearable pressure handcuff (106) facilitates in recording blood pressure of the patient. In addition, the monitoring system (100) includes a display device (110) coupled to the flexible patch (104) and the wearable pressure handcuff (106). The display device (110) renders data pertaining to the fetomaternal parameters received from the flexible patch (104) and the wearable pressure handcuff (106).

Description

FETOMATER AL PARAMETER MONITORING SYSTEM

TECHNICA L FIELD

[0001 ] The present subject matter relates to monitoring systems and, in particular, to a fetomaternal parameter monitoring system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A large number of babies die before the age of one month. It has been found that most of these deaths happen in the first week of life due to different reasons, such as pre-term deliveries, asphyxia, or sepsis. Therefore, in recent years considerable attention has been given to monitoring maternal as well as fetal health condition, during pregnancy, for getting information about well being of the fetus and mother. In this respect, fetal monitors are widely used to monitor the fetal heart rate as a means for monitoring the fetal condition. Such monitors are used by physicians to monitor the development of the fetus with progressing pregnancy.

BRI EF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRA WINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a fetomaternal parameter monitoring system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0005] Fig. 2(a) illustrates different components of the fetomaternal parameter monitoring system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0006| Fig. 2(b) illustrates a flexible patch of the fetomaternal parameter monitoring system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Lack of proper monitoring of mothers during early stages of labor is considered as one of the major reasons for stillbirths. The existing lack of personnel, training, and infrastructure poses high risk for mothers and babies. Therefore, some form of assessment of fetus has become a standard of care. The women are monitored at different time intervals depending on their needs in labor as assessed by a healthcare provider. For example, during first stage of labor, fetal heart rate (FHR) is checked at least every 15 minutes and recorded during and immediately after a contraction, when decelerations are most likely to occur. During second stage of labor, the FHR is checked at least every five minutes, and during and immediately after each uterine contraction.

[0008] Traditionally, stethoscopes were used to listen to fetal heartbeat.

However, the use of stethoscopes for listening to the fetal heartbeat has been unsatisfactory due to high degree of extraneous noise, which occurs during periods of labor contractions. Additionally, usage of the stethoscopes is impractical for in-home patient use. Even prior to the commencement of labor, ordinary stethoscopes were found to be unsatisfactory for use by a physician because the sound of the fetal heart can be masked by the sound of the mother's heartbeat. [0009] To monitor the development of fetus, various fetal monitors were developed, such as external fetal heart monitors (FHMs), for being used both prior to and during labor. However, these fetal heart monitors does not provide complete check up of the patients. For example, the existing fetal monitors either monitor the FHR or the uterine contractions. The patients thereby have to visit hospitals for getting complete check up. The existing FHMs monitor specific parameters of the patient and are incapable of providing details about progress of labor.

|0010] Further, the existing fetal monitors may be affixed to abdomen of the patient to monitor fetal heart rate (FHR). However, it may be difficult to trace the FHR using the existing fetal monitors because the fetus may often move during monitoring.

[0011 ] In addition, the existing fetal monitors may only be operated by healthcare personnel who are trained to operate the fetal monitors and therefore, such fetal monitors are typically used in a medically controlled environment, namely in a hospital or doctor's office. Many a times, it may be inconvenient for many patients to travel to the office of the healthcare personnel for having routine testing procedures performed.

[0012] The present subject matter describes a fetomaternal parameter monitoring system, hereinafter referred to as a monitoring system. The fetomaternal parameters include, but are not limited to, fetal heart rate (FHR), maternal blood pressure, and uterine contraction. The monitoring system may include an abdominal belt for being worn by the patient. The abdominal belt may be placed onto the patient and is connected to a display monitor. The abdominal belt may include a flexible patch at a central portion thereof such that the flexible patch covers the abdomen of the patient. In an implementation, a plurality of ultrasound sensors may be integrated in the flexible patch to monitor the FHR.

[0013] Further, the flexible patch may have the ability to auto-locate the fetal heart. The flexible patch employs a plurality of sensors to determine which set of sensors are able to capture the fetal heart sounds. If there are a pair or more sensors able to detect the same, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the sensors is calculated. The sensors showing the highest SNR are used to capture data pertaining to the fetal heart sounds until the SNR falls below a pre-defined threshold, for example, over a period of time. In such scenario, all sensors become active and start capturing fetal heart sounds. When all sensors provide an output below the pre-defined threshold, the display device may indicate an alert depicting inability of the sensors to capture fetal heart sounds, thereby the fetus may be at risk.

[0014] For example, the abdominal belt may employ various signal processing technologies, such as high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), to auto-locate the fetal heart. For example, the plurality of ultrasound sensors may detect fetal heart sounds in an analog form. The analog signal may then be converted to digital form by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), embedded in the abdominal belt. [0015] In an example, the plurality of sensors within the flexible patch of the abdominal belt may facilitate in determining fetal movements over prolonged periods of time. For example, proximity of fetal heart sounds with respect to the plurality of sensors may be identified. Based on the proximity, it may be determined whether the fetus has moved from a previous location or not. If the fetus has moved, the monitoring system may provide indication to the healthcare personnel. Therefore, the monitoring system provides an efficient way of monitoring fetus.

[0016] In an implementation, the monitoring system may employ electromyography (EMG) for monitoring the uterine contractions. In this respect, the abdominal belt may include one or more electrodes for recording the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles of the patient. Further, the monitoring system may employ electronically controlled pressure cuff technology for monitoring maternal blood pressure. In this respect, the monitoring system may include a pressure cuff for being wrapped around an arm of the patient for monitoring the blood pressure of the patient at regular intervals. In an example, the monitoring system may include an electronically controlled pneumatic device to regulate pressure in the pressure cuff.

[0017] Further, the above-described fetomaternal parameters are displayed on an external portable monitor. The displayed information may be in the form of raw values and as visual graphs. In an implementation, if the displayed information of any or all of the fetomaternal parameters indicates a problem with the patient, the monitoring system may generate a visual warning that may be displayed on the monitor. In addition, an acoustic signal may be given to gain the attention of the patient and healthcare provider to assist the patient. [0018] Accordingly, the present subject matter provides a monitoring system for non-invasive monitoring and tracking the fetus during the pre-delivery stages with minimal interaction of healthcare professionals and assistants. The parameters of the fetus are thereafter displayed to the patient and healthcare professionals to facilitate in decision making. In addition, the abdominal belt may be easily worn by rural women, thereby reducing dependence on skill-level of a healthcare worker. The ease in wearing the monitoring system allows the mother to be mobile, which is frequent necessity of women in early stages of labor. Further, the simple design of the monitoring system makes it cost efficient than the existing techniques for monitoring fetomaternal parameters.

[0019] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the following figures. While aspects of described fetomaternal parameter monitoring system can be implemented in any number of different systems, environments, and/or configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system(s).

[0020] Fig. 1 illustrates a monitoring system 100 for monitoring fetomaternal parameters of a patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the present embodiment, the monitoring system 100 may include an abdominal belt 102 for being worn around an abdomen of the patient. The abdominal belt 102 may be made of a stretchable material having elastomeric properties to conform to varying patient abdominal sizes. In an example, the stretchable material may be silicone rubber. In another example, the material may be a polymer having low acoustic impedance and electrical insulation properties. In an example, the abdominal belt 102 may be made of a conductive fabric having low acoustic impedance to act as a conductor of sound across a broad range of frequencies including but not limited to ultrasonic and audible frequencies. In an implementation, the abdominal belt may be made of a breathable fabric so as to permit moisture to evaporate from the patient's skin. In an example, the abdominal belt 1 02 may be made in accordance with a belly button for placement of the plurality of ultrasound sensors for optimal signal output.

[0021 ] Further, the abdominal belt 102 may include a flexible patch 104 connected at a center of the abdominal belt 102 such that the flexible patch 104 covers the abdomen of the patient. The flexible patch 104 uses ultrasound technology, and is to be worn around the abdomen for monitoring fetal heart sounds, and fetal heart rate (FHR). The flexible patch 104 may be adhered to the abdomen using a medical tape. In an implementation, the flexible patch 104 may include a plurality of sensors (not shown). The plurality of sensors may be configured to detect and monitor fetal heart rate (FHR). In an example, the plurality of sensors employ Doppler ultrasound technology to detect the FHR. In an alternative example, the plurality of sensors may be clipped on to the abdominal belt 102. In another alternative example, the plurality of sensors may clip on to the flexible patch 104. The flexible patch 104 may include gel for impedance matching with the skin.

[0022] The flexible patch 104 may be configured to auto-locate the fetal heart. For example, the flexible patch 104 may determine the fetal heart sound based on comparison of a desired signal to a level of background noise. For example, the plurality of ultrasound sensors may detect the fetal heart sounds in an analog form. The analog signal may then be converted to digital form by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC ), embedded in the flexible patch 104.

[0023] In an embodiment, the plurality of ultrasound sensors of the monitoring system 100 may be embedded in a stethoscope (not shown) to capture fetal heart sounds. Accordingly, the plurality of ultrasound sensors may be embedded in a diaphragm of the stethoscope. In another example, the plurality of ultrasound sensors may be embedded in a peripheral conical section of the stethoscope. Such an embodiment having the plurality of ultrasound sensors embedded in the stethoscope may be used as a stand alone device for auscultating the fetal heart when provided with a speaker output from the plurality of ultrasound sensors anywhere in the path of hollow channel of the stethoscope (from the conical section to the ear tip).

[0024] Further, the flexible patch 104 may include at least two electrodes

(not shown) for monitoring uterine contractions of the patient. In an example, the at least two electrodes may monitor the uterine contractions through Electromyography (EMG). In an example, the at least two electrodes may be configured to capture activity of the myometrium of uterus from a surface of the abdomen. As may be understood, the myometrium is a middle layer of a uterine wall. In an implementation, the at least two electrodes may be disposable dry gel/wet gel electrodes. In an example, the electrodes 220 may be clipped on when used. These locations may be selected to allow for easy placement onto the patient while ensuring correct collection of patient information.

[0025] In an example, the ultrasound sensors and the electrodes may be fused into the flexible patch 104. The flexible patch 104 therefore prevents placement of the sensors and electrodes separately at accurate positions on the abdomen for capturing information. The flexible patch 104 thus simplifies the design and positioning of the electrodes by increasing number of electrodes. Further, the electrodes once placed over the abdomen, capture information about occurrence of uterine contractions in either yes or no. Accordingly, the flexible patch 104 is designed such that the gel within the flexible patch 104 is suitable for both ultrasound sensors and electrodes without specific concern of individual sensor/electrode placement.

[0026] In an implementation, the monitoring system 100 may further include a wearable pressure handcuff 106 connected to the abdominal belt 102 through at least one connector 108. In an example, the at least one connector 108 may be a Y-connector. The wearable pressure handcuff 106 facilitates in recording blood pressure of the patient. The wearable pressure handcuff 1 06 attached to an arm of the patient, for measurement of blood pressure. In the present implementation, the monitoring system 1 00 may include an electronically controlled pneumatic device (not shown) to regulate pressure in the wearable pressure handcuff 106. In an example, the monitoring system 100 may include at least one pressure sensor to identify transition of blood flow in the arm from stunted to laminar flow. In an example, the at least one pressure sensor may be embedded within the flexible patch 104 of the abdominal belt 102. [0027] In addition, the monitoring system 100 may include a display device 1 10 that may be coupled to the abdominal belt 102 and the wearable pressure handcuff 106 to render data pertaining to the fetomaternal parameters received from the abdominal belt 102 and the wearable pressure handcuff 106. The display device 1 10 may be an external monitor that may be connected to the abdominal belt 102 and the wearable pressure handcuff 106. Further, the display device 1 10 may present the information about the fetomaternal parameters as raw values and visual graphs. In an example, the visual graph may be a partograph.

[0028] In an implementation, the display device 1 10 may be easily affixed onto a bed frame or onto a standard intravenous (IV) stand found in hospital wards. To affix the display device 1 10 to the IV stand, the display device 1 10 may include an extended tag (not shown) with a hole coming off of a top portion of the display device 1 10 for a hook provided on the IV stand. In an example, the extended tag may include a curvature as to accommodate most bed frames in order to hang when other stands are not accessible. In another implementation, the monitoring system 100 may be powered from an AC outlet or a rechargeable battery alone.

[0029] In an implementation, the display device 1 10 may present some or all of the information about the fetomaternal parameters on one screen or on multiple screens. Examples of the information about the fetomaternal parameters may include, but are not limited to, the FHR value, occurrence of uterine contractions or otherwise, blood pressure value, historical values of these parameters as graphs, and a partograph. In another implementation, the display device 1 10 may provide an interface for the users to provide inputs. The interface may include a button/touch screen to enter temperature and/or cervical dilation for a more accurate representation of the partograph. [0030) In an implementation, the monitoring system 100 may not monitor the fetomaternal parameters of the patient continuously. For example, normal patient parameters are monitored intermittently by the monitoring system 100 as outlined by established guidelines of national and international agencies. Depending on the stable nature of the fetomaternal parameters monitored, a frequency of monitoring these parameters may be varied. A user, such as a healthcare worker may manually vary the frequency of monitoring the fetomaternal parameters, if needed.

[0031] In an embodiment, the monitoring system 100 may be used for monitoring pneumonia by placing the sensors on the lungs of the patient and listening to the lung sounds during breathing. In an example, the nature of sounds listened to by the doctor indicates a case of pneumonia or otherwise. Alternatively, the monitoring system 100 may be used for checking structural deformities of bone. In an example, under nonnal conditions, the monitoring system 100 may provide a constant beeping sound to indicate that there is no deformity in the bones. Upon identification of any deformity, such as a break in the bone, the monitoring system 100 may change the beeping sound.

[0032] In another embodiment, the monitoring system 100 may be configured to detect abdominal sounds for fluids accumulation, bleeding, and the like. In yet another implementation, the monitoring system 100 may be used for measuring blood flow and pressure in blood vessels, such as in case of peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arterial occlusion, aneurysms, cardiac artery stenosis, blood clots, and venous insufficiency.

[0033] In operation, upon entry to a healthcare facility, a pregnant woman is first given a pelvic exam and a basic medical history is collected. During this examination, the FHR is identified and recorded. Thereafter, the abdominal belt 102 of the monitoring system 100 is placed around the abdomen of the patient such that the flexible patch 1 04 comes in contact with the surface of the abdomen of the patient. In an example, the EMG electrodes may be affixed around the abdominal region of the patient to measure the uterine contraction. Thereafter, the connectors 108 may be attached to the display device 1 10 and the patient is rested to her labor room bed.

[0034] In an example, the patient is transported to the delivery room with the monitoring system abdominal belt 102 and the display device 1 10 still affixed. During delivery, the monitoring system 100 may continuously provide the fetal parameters, thereby allowing clinicians to make decisions for intervention. After delivery, the monitoring system 100 is taken off the mother, sterilized, and is ready for the next admitted mother.

[0035] Accordingly, present subject matter provides a cost-effective and portable monitoring system 100 for monitoring the different parameters of the mother as well as the fetus. The monitoring system 100 provides a non-invasive teclinique for monitoring and tracking the fetus during pre-delivery stages with minimal interaction of healthcare professionals. The monitoring system 100 may employ signal processing techniques to automatically detect the fetal heart sound amid various noises. Further, the monitoring system 100 may detect any movement of the fetus based on the proximity of fetal heart sounds to various sensors embedded in the abdominal belt 102. The monitoring system 1 00 may generate an alert in case any fetomaternal parameters indicate a problem. Further, the monitoring system 100 delivers high quality health care, at times remotely and wirelessly, to provide clinically effective solutions.

[0036] Referring to Fig. 2(a), different components 200- 1 of the monitoring system 100 are illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As mentioned above, the monitoring system 100 may be connected to a display device, such as a display device 1 10 for presenting the information pertaining to the fetomaternal parameters. The display device 1 10 may include a plurality of controls 202 for selecting the mode of display of information. For example, by using the plurality of controls 202. a health care personnel may display the monitored information as raw data or as graphs. As mentioned above, the monitoring system 100 may include a plurality of sensors. such as a blood pressure sensor 204, EMG sensor 206, and ultrasound sensors 208.

[0037] The plurality of sensors may be connected to the display device

1 10 by means of the connectors 108. In an example, the connectors 108 may be cables. The plurality of connectors 108 may be designed to enable mobility of the patient without interfering in common movements during labor ( i.e., using the bathroom, walking around ward, laying in bed, etc). The plurality of connectors 108 may be detached for enhanced usability, portability and storage of the monitoring system 100. [0038] Further, the ultrasound sensors 208 may include an insert 210 for attaching the connectors 108 with the ultrasound sensors 208. In addition, the ultrasound sensors 208 may include a holder 212 for being conveniently held by the healthcare personnel. Further, the EMG sensor 206 may include an electrode 214 for being placed on the patient's body for monitoring the uterine contractions. [0039] Referring to Fig. 2(b), a flexible patch 104 of the monitoring system 100 is depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The flexible patch 104 may include one or more processor(s) 250, interface(s) 252, and a memory 254 coupled to the processor 250. The processor 250 can be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could also include multiple computing units. The processor 250 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 250 is configured to fetch and execute computer- readable instructions and data stored in the memory 254.

[0040] The interfaces 252 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, interface for peripheral device(s), such as a keyboard, a mouse, an external memory, and a printer. The interfaces 252 may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of protocols and networks, such as a network, including wired networks, e.g., LAN. cable, etc.. and wireless networks, e.g., WLAN, cellular, satellite, etc. The interfaces 252 may include one or more ports for connecting the flexible patch 104 to a number of computing devices.

[0041] The memory 254 may include any non-transitory computer- readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The non-transitory computer-readable medium, however, excludes a transitory, propagating signal.

[0042] The flexible patch 104 further includes modules 256 and data 258.

The module(s) 256 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In one implementation, the module(s) 256 includes a sensing module 260, a processing module 262, and other module(s) 264. The other module(s) 264 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of the flexible patch 104.

[0043] On the other hand, the data 258, inter alia serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the module(s) 256. The data 258 includes, for example, FHR data 266, uterine contraction data 268, blood pressure data 270, and other data 272. The other data 272 includes data generated as a result of the execution of one or more modules in the module(s) 256.

[0044] In an implementation, the sensing module 260 may be configured to collect information about the fetomaternal parameters, such as the FHR, maternal blood pressure, and the uterine contraction. For monitoring the FHR. the sensing module 260 may employ Doppler ultrasound technology. In this respect, the flexible patch 1 04 may include sensors 274 to emit and receive ultrasonic waves. The sensing module 260 may detect the transmission and receipt of the ultrasonic waves. Thereafter, the processing module 262 may overlap the transmitted and received signals and demodulated to identify Doppler shift created by movement of beating fetal heart. This Doppler shift may be recorded in the memory 254 of the flexible patch 104. The processing module 262 may compute a periodicity of the Doppler shift to arrive at a FHR value. The processing module 262 may store information pertaining to the FHR as the FHR data 266.

[0045] The sensing module 260 may detect the uterine contractions based on the sensors 274 embedded in the flexible patch 104. The sensing module 260 may record activity of the myometrium of the uterus from the surface of the abdomen. The sensing module 260 may store information pertaining to the uterine contractions as the uterine contraction data 268.

[0046] In an implementation, the sensing module 260 may monitor the maternal blood pressure by using pressure cuff technology. Pressure may be regulated in the wearable pressure handcuffs 106 by an electronically controlled pneumatic device. Further, the sensing module 260 may interact with the sensors 274 to determine the blood pressure of the patient. The sensing module 260 may store information pertaining to the maternal blood pressure as the blood pressure data 270.

[0047] As described earlier, the flexible patch 104 may be connected to an external display device, such as the display device 1 10. In an implementation, the processing module 262 may send the information captured by the sensing module 260 about the fetomaternal parameters to the display device 1 10. In an example, the display device 1 10 may render data pertaining to fetal distress and blood pressure as raw values. In another example, the display device 1 10 may render data pertaining to progression of labor in the form of at least one graph. For example, the visual graph may be a partograph. The information presented by the display device 1 10 may be used by the healthcare professionals.

[0048] The display device 1 1 0 may plot the various parameters as a unified graph. For example, the display device 1 1 0 may generate a partograph that may provide a graphical representation of progression of labor. In an example, a user, such as a healthcare personnel may have to provide an input to regulate whether the data being plotted is for one single patient from admission up to delivery or the patient has changed. For example, if the monitoring system 100 is paused in between due to any reason, the healthcare personnel may have to provide input to the display device 1 14 of the monitoring system 100 to indicate whether it is the same patient or a new patient before it permits data logging again.

[0049] Although embodiments for a monitoring system have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is understood that the subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary embodiments for the monitoring system.

Claims

I/We claim:

A . monitoring system ( 100) for monitoring fetomatemal parameters of a patient, the monitoring system ( 100) comprising:

a flexible patch ( 104) for covering an abdomen of a patient, wherein the flexible patch ( 104) comprises:

a plurality of sensors (274) embedded within the flexible patch ( 104) for detecting and auto-locating fetal heart rate (FHR); and

at least two electrodes (214) embedded within the flexible patch ( 104) for monitoring uterine contractions of the patient;

a wearable pressure handcuff (106) coupled to the flexible patch

( 104), wherein the wearable pressure handcuff ( 106) facilitates in recording blood pressure of the patient; and

a display device ( 1 10), coupled to the flexible patch ( 104) and the wearable pressure handcuff ( 106) to render data pertaining to the fetomatemal parameters received from the flexible patch ( 104) and the wearable pressure handcuff ( 106).

The monitoring system ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an electronically controlled pneumatic device to regulate pressure in the wearable pressure handcuff ( 106).

The monitoring system ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors employ Doppler ultrasound technology to detect the FHR.

The monitoring system ( 100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the uterine contractions are monitored through Electromyography (EMG).

The monitoring system ( 1 00) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the wearable pressure handcuff ( 1 06) i s coupled to the flexible patch ( 104) via one of a wireless connection and at least one connector ( 1 08). The monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible patch (104) detects fetal movements over long periods of time based on proximity of fetal heart sounds to the plurality of sensors.

The monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible patch (104) is made of a polymer.

The monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible patch (104) is adapted to be a part of an abdominal belt (102) for being worn around the abdomen of the patient.

The monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display, device (110) renders data pertaining to fetal distress and blood pressure as raw values.

The monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display device (110) renders data pertaining to progression of labor in the form of at least one graph.

The monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display device (110) is adapted to be detachably affixed to one of a bed frame and an intravenous (IV) stand.

The monitoring system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display device (110) displays at least one of a visual alarm and an acoustic alarm when any of the fetomaternal parameters indicate a problem with the patient.