Initial evaluation of an ambulatory system for home monitoring and transmission of uterine activity data.

A system capable of ambulatory home monitoring of uterine activity and data transmission was evaluated in a group of pregnant patients. The evaluation focused on three questions: 1) Is the information as reliable as that obtained by the current stationary monitors; 2) Does the information obtained by the tested system relate to that obtained by direct intrauterine pressure measurements; and 3) Is the system simple enough to be used by the unsupervised gravida at home? The results indicate that the tested system can provide reliable information about uterine activity in ambulatory patients. A good correlation between the intensity of contractions and the recording of uterine activity by this system could be demonstrated, particularly in the presence of mild to moderate contractions. The tested monitor proved to be simple to use even in the untrained gravida. Additional studies to determine the role of ambulatory home monitoring of uterine activity in patients with cervical cerclage, placenta previa, and preterm labor will need to be performed to establish its role in current obstetric practice.