Fetal magnetocardiographic recordings with a prototype bed-based array system of optically-pumped magnetometers.

Objective: To record and extract features of fetal cardiac activities with a semi-rigid prototype optically-pumped magnetometers (OPM) sensor array.

Methods: Fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) data were collected from 15 pregnant women between 28 and 40 weeks gestation. Mothers were lying flat in a customized bed with sensors touching their abdomen from below using a prototype grid. fMCG was extracted to perform standard fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) analysis.

Results: fMCG was observed in 13 of the 15 pregnant women. OPM FHRV indicators were in the range of previous SQUID studies.

Conclusion: Semi-rigid prototype OPM system has the ability to record quality fMCG. fMCG is capable of identifying lethal cardiac rhythm disturbances in the fetus. Our novel application of OPM technology may lower costs and increase maternal comfort, thus expanding fMCG's generalizability.