mCTG: Non-invasive early detection of obstructed labour for low-cadre healthworkers

mCTG is a low-cost portable solar rechargeable device that measures duration, frequency and intensity of maternal uterine contractions along with fetal heart rate. The device uses a modified semiconductor based ultrasound and external tocometry transducers to measure fetal heart rate and maternal contractions respectively. This information is relayed to a user’s mobile phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. The AI based software embedded into the device interprets patterns associated with select complications and predictive of them such as obstructed labour, dystocia, fetal distress and preterm labour in real time for early detection and allowing early intervention. The first pilot study on safety, efficacy and tolerability, device recorded efficacy specificity at 76.8% and sensitivity at 97.3%. No adverse effects were noted. (p -<0.05)). The pilot study covered areas of western, eastern and north-eastern regions of Uganda. The device has had endorsement from the Ugandan Ministry of Health, Makerere University and Mbarara University.