A technique was developed that could allow expectant parents to hear their baby’s heartbeat continuously at home with a non-invasive and safe device that is potentially more accurate than any fetal heartrate monitor currently available in the market.

The device records vibrations sent through a mother’s abdomen when her baby’s heart beats or when the fetus squirms and kicks. The monitor poses no risk to the fetus — a concern with ultrasound monitors, which can heat tissue if used continuously for long periods.

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