However, this method is not used extensively because of its inherent danger to both the mother and fetus and it can be used in clinical practice only after 36 weeks of gestation. ST analysis is considered to be a direct method and is performed by directly attaching an electrode to the scalp of the fetus to provide a clean ECG signal. Currently, there are two methods for recording the FECG: indirect and direct measurements. The FECG is considered to be an effective tool for diagnosing specific structural defects. The characteristics or features of the FECG are vital for revealing the fetal development, as well as the existence of fetal distress or congenital heart defects. The FECG carries essential information about the fetal heart function. In this review paper, the fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) is mentioned many times as a reference to compare and verify the results of the latest fetal cardiac Doppler signal processing techniques. Consequently, it is considered an invasive method and it is not recommended, especially for recordings over long periods under severe conditions ( Maeda, 1990 Elmansouri et al., 2014). ![]() ![]() Furthermore, the Doppler ultrasound (DUS) transducer is uncomfortable, and the FHR monitoring procedure involves sending a 2 MHz signal toward the fetus. This probe therefore needs to be adjusted in the case of fetal movement to afford accurate measurements. The main disadvantage of CTG is its high sensitivity to fetal movement, as the detection of FHR mostly relies on the correct positioning of the ultrasound probe. This methodology is popular and commonly used because it is easy to use, is a non-invasive technique, has no contraindications, and can be used frequently. Cardiotocography (CTG) is the standard methodology in hospitals to monitor fetal well-being and is based on the recording of FHR using a special device. When certain pregnancy risk factors have been identified, the FHR must be monitored during labor as a routine physiological measurement ( Elmansouri et al., 2014). Statistics have shown that 1 out of every 125 babies is born with some kind of congenital cardiac defect ( Anisha et al., 2014). The process of FHR monitoring is commonly used during prenatal screening to detect possible fetal health problems that may result in neurological damage or in some cases fetal death during labor. Finally, a set of recommendations are suggested for future research directions and the use of fetal cardiac Doppler signal analysis, processing, and modeling to address the underlying challenges.įetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring has been extensively used to assess fetal well-being. The review is structured with a focus on their shortcomings and advantages, which helps in understanding fetal Doppler cardiogram signal processing methods and the related Doppler signal analysis procedures by providing valuable clinical information. This review provides an overview of the existing techniques used in fetal cardiac activity monitoring and a comprehensive survey on fetal cardiac Doppler signal processing frameworks. To advance DUS-based fetal monitoring methods, several powerful and well-advanced signal processing and machine learning methods have recently been developed. ![]() The fetal cardiac intervals, which can be estimated by measuring the fetal cardiac event timings, are the most important markers of fetal development and well-being. ![]() In early-stage fetuses, the detected Doppler signal suffers from noise and signal loss due to the fetal movements and changing fetal location during the measurement procedure. The fetal Doppler Ultrasound (DUS) is commonly used for monitoring fetal heart rate and can also be used for identifying the event timings of fetal cardiac valve motions. 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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