Research by Marion Frenken, which she conducted at the Máxima MC (MMC), shows that electrohysterography (EHG) is a safe and effective method for monitoring uterine activity during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Measuring uterine activity plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of mother and child during pregnancy and childbirth.
Frenken conducted the research under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Oei, Dr. van Laar and Dr. Van der Woude. Current methods of monitoring uterine activity, such as the external tocodynamometer (TOCO) and the invasive intrauterine pressure line, have their limitations and risks. In her PhD research, Frenken presented the promising new technique of electrohysterography. This method is not only safer, but also offers advantages that existing techniques do not have.
Elektrohysterografie (EHG)
EHG is an innovative, non-invasive method that measures the electrical activity of the uterus. This allows it to detect contractions more accurately than the current standard TOCO, without the risks such as infections or damage to mother and child. Furthermore, EHG is more reliable in obese women.
Frenken examined EHG in different phases, namely during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. One of her studies looked at the use of EHG during the second trimester of pregnancy. Currently, there is no clear standard for what constitutes normal and abnormal uterine activity during this period. By collecting new data, Frenken hopes to provide more insight into this, so that complications can be detected early.
Avoiding risky methods
During labor, EHG appears to be effective as a monitoring method in risk groups, such as women with obesity or after a previous caesarean section. A newly developed system, the NemoFetalMonitoringSystem (NFMS), combines EHG with the cardiac activity of mother and child, making complete, non-invasive monitoring possible. This new system can help to avoid the use of risky methods during childbirth.
EHG also offers several benefits after childbirth. In the first thirty minutes after delivery, EHG can help predict excessive blood loss. This is crucial for the timely treatment of complications. The first results show that certain EHG values may indicate an increased risk of bleeding.
Standard method
Frenken’s research shows that EHG has great potential to become the standard for monitoring uterine activity. “EHG can not only help to better predict and treat complications, but also to increase our understanding of uterine activity. This is an important step towards better and safer care for mothers and their children,” says Frenken.
Although more research is needed to further optimize the application of EHG, the technique already offers promising prospects for the future of obstetric care.
Monitor at home
With the introduction last year of the so-called NemoRemote at the Bravis hospital, pregnant women undergoing treatment there can also monitor their unborn baby at home. A cardiotocogram (CTG) can be made at home with the NemoRemote. It provides an innovative way to monitor the unborn child’s heart rate and uterine activity. This approach fits in perfectly with the Integrated Care Agreement, which strives for as much accessible care as possible close to home.