How Are Uterine Contractions Monitored?
Uterine contractions can be monitored externally, without inserting instruments into your uterus (external uterine monitoring). A belt is wrapped around your waist and attached to a machine called a tocodynamometer. Although this is usually done in a doctor’s office or hospital, it can also be done at home (called Home Uterine Activity Monitoring or HUAM). To monitor your contractions at home, you rent equipment to trace your contractions. Sit in a restful position and place the band attached to the tocodynamometer around your abdomen. The machine records your contractions and the data is transmitted by telephone to a central viewing station, usually in a hospital or clinic. Nurses there assess the data and prepare a detailed report about the contractions for your doctor. The nurses may also contact you by phone once or twice a day to see how you are feeling. If you report any problems, the nurse contacts your doctor immediately.
