A fetoscope is a medical device used to monitor a fetus in the uterus. It can refer to a stethoscope used to listen to the fetal heartbeat or an endoscope used in fetoscopy, which carries a high risk of miscarriage and is only recommended when medically necessary. Hospitals prefer continuous monitoring techniques.
The term “fetoscope” can be used to refer to two different medical devices, each of which is designed to provide information about a fetus and how it is doing inside an expectant mother’s uterus. In the first sense, a fetoscope is a type of stethoscope that has been customized for use in listening to the fetal heartbeat. The second sense refers to a type of endoscope used in fetoscopy, in which a doctor introduces a camera into the uterus to view the fetus.
In the sense of a type of stethoscope, a fetoscope is most commonly used by midwives. To use the fetoscope, the wearer inserts the earphones, places one end on the expectant mother’s abdomen, and cradles her forehead in the forehead rest. Once the fetoscope has been moved to the correct position, the heartbeat should be audible, allowing the doctor to determine whether or not the fetus is healthy.
Hospitals usually prefer to use techniques that can allow for continuous monitoring of pregnant women, rather than having professionals use a fetoscope. The disadvantage of a fetoscope is that it is very difficult to use continuously and it takes practice to learn how to use the device correctly. The benefits are that it is non-invasive and tends to allow the mother more freedom of movement, as the doctor can use it when the mother is in any position.
The endoscopic instrument used in fetoscopy is a long, flexible fiberoptic tube with an attached camera. The fetoscope may also come with tools that can be used to take samples from the fetus or amniotic fluid. To use the device, the doctor makes a small incision in the woman’s abdomen, inserts the tube and collects the necessary data before withdrawing the fetoscope and sewing up the incision.
This device is used in situations where a woman’s fetus may have birth defects that cannot be detected with the use of other methods. It can carry a very high risk of miscarriage, up to 12% in some cases, and is therefore only recommended when medically necessary. Women going to the hospital for a fetoscopy should be aware that they will be asked to take muscle relaxants to encourage the fetus to remain calm during the procedure and may feel lightheaded when the fetoscopy is over. Rest is strongly recommended for two weeks after the procedure to reduce the risk of developing complications.
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