New Cordless Fetal Monitors Give Freedom to Expectant Mothers

Brookings Health System recently purchased a new Philips Avalon Cordless Fetal Transducer System. Three new fetal monitors measure a baby’s heart rate, uterine activity and mom’s heart rate while in labor from any location within New Beginnings Birth Center.

The new technology was added to New Beginnings Birth Center as a part of the recent OB unit remodeling and in response to the Birth Experience Focus Groups held Fall 2011.

“Our response from pregnant mothers who have used the new cordless fetal monitoring system has been very positive,” said Obstetrics Director Mary Schwaegerl. “They appreciate the freedom to move around. Evidence-based research shows walking helps the uterus work more efficiently. Frequently changing positions moves the pelvis bones to help the baby find the best fit through the birth canal. Our expectant moms are more comfortable and have a better sense of control to have the birth experience they want.”

Because the system is cordless, mothers may move and switch positions as they choose while nursing staff continuously monitor the status of mother and baby without interrupting data transmission. With older corded monitors, mothers are only allowed to be off the units for a half an hour at a time if both mother and child are stable.

New Beginnings Birth Center at Brookings Health System in Brookings, SD is an eight-bed maternity unit with three labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDRP) rooms and five postpartum recovery rooms. The unit provides full OB services to expectant parents and enables area residents to deliver their baby close to home with a local physician.

For more information about New Beginnings Birth Center and Brookings Health System’s full OB services, please visit www.brookingshealth.org/OB.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed Brookview Manor nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates apartments. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock medical-nursing care for patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.