Questions & Answers

What does the Monica AN24 monitor do?

It records the maternal and fetal heart rate from the 'mother and baby' and puts the information into a graph. This information can then be interpreted by your clinician (doctor/midwife) to assess the wellbeing of the unborn baby.

How big is the Monica Device?

It is small and slim, similar to the size of a small mobile phone. It only weighs 100g (just under 4ozs). It can be worn around the neck attached to a cord, which holds the monitor in place or it can be placed discretely under clothes.

Why is it called the AN24?

AN: is short for Antenatal, before birth
24: refers to the Monica device being able to record the fetal heart rate recording over the course of 24 hours.

Does it harm me or my baby?

No it does not, it is entirely passive and non intrusive. This means it picks up both mother and baby heart beats by detecting the electrical signals that are present on the mother's abdomen. It only records the information that is already present.

Why is this different to what we use now to record the baby's heart rate?

There are currently different methods for assessing the health of the baby in high risk pregnancies during the antenatal period. Each method has its own unique value.

The AN24 fills a gap in that it can record the baby's heart rate over the course of 24 hours. Mums can use the monitor at home and whilst sleeping. Shortly, the heart rate recording will be able to be sent to a computer in a different location.

What information will this provide my clinician (doctor or midwife)?

The clinician is the person who provides you with support and monitors your wellbeing during pregnancy, childbirth and during the postnatal period "after the baby is born".

Heart rate changes are plotted in the form of a graph, which can provide valuable information to the clinician. A change in the heart rate pattern indicates the wellbeing of your baby. This can be of value to women who are assessed to be in a high risk pregnancy category.

This information may indicate if further investigation or intervention is needed. Your clinician will discuss with you your individual care package.

What future work is going to be done with the AN24?

Monica Healthcare is continuing to develop the AN24 device and also supports doctors with associated research in fetal care. This new technology will provide clinicians with information not previously available. Following analysis of this information we anticipate that there will be big advancement in treatment.

In the future we expect that this device will give us a greater understanding of the fetal heart so as to help manage and improve care for mums who are in high risk categories.

If I have had a previous stillbirth, will this monitor prevent it happening again?

The Monica AN24 is a method of assessing fetal wellbeing, but we do not know if the information will help clinicians prevent a stillbirth. We hope with research we will have a better understanding of the fetal heart rate and fetal behaviour patterns in order to improve the quality of care provided to mothers.

Women have pregnancy loss and stillbirths for many different reasons. A loss of a baby at any stage is very difficult for women, partners, and their families.

Women who have had a termination may also worry about a future pregnancy.

It is important to discuss any concerns you have about your pregnancy with your clinician so he can plan with you your individual package of care.

Sometimes it is helpful to write down your questions and concerns before seeing your clinician. Remember there is no silly question.

The following organisations can offer support for you, your partner and your families.

	SANDS "Supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby and promoting research to reduce the loss of babies' lives" www.uk-sands.org
	APEC APEC was set up to raise public and professional awareness, improve care, and ease or prevent physical and emotional suffering caused by the condition, which used to be called toxaemia. Helpline: +44 (0)208 427 4217 Monday - Friday 10:00 - 15:00 www.apec.org.uk www.apec.org.uk/forum
	Miscarriage Association The Miscarriage Association, c/o Clayton Hospital, Northgate, Wakefield WF1 3JS Registered charity no. 1076829 A company limited by guarantee, no. 3779123 Registered in England & Wales www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk

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