New wireless monitoring system offers comfort, increased mobility for mothers in labor

Siloam Springs Regional Hospital recently added new technology for monitoring that provides mothers the freedom to safely move around during the labor process.

The maternal/fetal wireless patch technology is a single patch system placed on the expectant mothers' abdomen. This cord-free, belt-free solution monitors fetal heart rate, maternal heart rate and uterine activity while offering patients more freedom of movement during the birth experience. Without cords connecting the patient to a fetal monitor, laboring mothers are free to get up as needed. The wireless-patch technology may also be worn in the shower and bath.

"The new system gives our patients more mobility and increases their comfort during the labor process," said Loretta Jordan, director of SSRH Women's and Children's Services. "It's very exciting to bring advanced technology to our patients that provides safe and effective care while honoring a patient's preferences. One of the benefits is the device is small and uses a peel-and-stick patch to stay on the mother's abdomen. Utilizing Bluetooth technology, data is sent to monitors so staff can effectively track maternal and fetal heart rates and contractions."

SSRH's Women's and Children's Services is recognized by the March of Dimes for the Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait initiative and also received the Silver Safe Sleep Leader designation by The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program.

Northwest Health is one of the largest health networks in Arkansas with five hospitals: Northwest Medical Center -- Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center -- Springdale, Northwest Medical Center -- Willow Creek Women's Hospital, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital and Northwest Health Physicians' Specialty Hospital. The system has 487 beds, a combined active medical staff of more than 540 physicians and 2,200 employees working together to provide quality healthcare for the region. Northwest Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a select group of independent health systems that works closely with Mayo Clinic to improve the delivery of healthcare and better serve its patients and communities. Northwest Health Physicians' Specialty Hospital is owned, in part, by physicians.