Brookings Health System acquries new maternal fetal monitoring system

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BROOKINGS – Brookings Health System recently implemented a new maternal fetal monitoring system that further increases safety for both mothers and babies during childbirth at New Beginnings Birth Center.

“Our new PeriWatch maternal fetal monitoring software uses artificial intelligence to help our obstetricians and nurses identify any early warning signs with either mom or baby during labor and delivery,” said Obstetrics Director Mary Schwaegerl. “This can help us protect moms and babies during childbirth, prevent caesarean sections and ensure positive outcomes for families.”

The software uses an algorithm to help care providers interpret fetal heart rate patterns. It also continuously monitors a mother’s vital signs as well as contractions and labor progression. By analyzing the data, the maternal fetal monitor software provides an early warning system to allow for timely medical interventions. It also acts as a clinical decision support tool for the obstetrics care team, giving consistent, objective and standardized assessment to enhance care at the bedside.

Brookings Health System’s OB unit, New Beginnings Birth Center, has eight beds consisting of five labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDRP) suites and three postpartum recovery rooms. The unit provides full OB services to expectant parents and enables area residents to deliver their baby close to home with a local physician. As a Baby-Friendly Hospital, Brookings Health ensures mothers who deliver at New Beginnings Birth Center and intend to breastfeed, as well as those who cannot or decide not to breastfeed, are supported. To learn more about New Beginnings Birth Center, visit www.brookingshealth.org/OB.