Defence software could aid births

British scientists have incorporated defence software used to pick up targets on military radar into a painless technique that detects problems during labour and could lead to safer births.

The electrocardiogram (ECG) trace developed by the defence research company QinetiQ can record an electrical signal from the heart and indicates if the baby is not getting enough oxygen or has an irregular heartbeat.

It can also detect the strength of the mother's contractions, which shows how the labour is progressing.

"The non-invasive system records signals from 12 electrodes on the mother's abdomen, separating out useful components from background noise from muscles other than the heart or interference from electrical equipment," New Scientist magazine said.

Doctors at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in southwestern England who are testing the device believe it will help to detect early problems during the delivery and help to rule out unnecessary caesarean deliveries.

A technique called cardiotocography is already used during labour but it is not as accurate as the ECG.

The magazine added: "The researchers also found they could measure the mother's contractions directly, using the electrical signals from the muscles."

- REUTERS