Home Fetal Heart Rate Monitors

Tara Parker Pope writes in her "Well" blog about a recent commentary at BMJ.com by two physicians warning of the risks associated with using home fetal heart rate monitors. Their warning included the story of a 34-year-old woman who used one of these heart rate monitors after having concern that she hadn't felt her baby move in awhile. When using the heart rate monitor, she believed to have heard the baby's heartbeat and did not seek medical attention right away. Once she did visit her physician, it was discovered that her baby had died. The physicians stress that they aren't recommending that people not use these heart rate monitors, rather be informed about them and not to use them in place of seeking medical advice.