Maternal and Fetal Imaging

Biomagnetic fields from fetal heart and brain signals are weak due to the depth of the uterus, requiring highly sensitive sensors for monitoring. Current tools like echocardiography can provide imprecise and inaccurate results. Fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) can already improve measurements, but the most common sensor currently used for fMCG, a SQUID, is expensive, has a large footprint, requires extensive magnetic shielding, and necessitates the mother resting in an uncomfortable position for approximately an hour, which limits its availability in clinical settings. A significant number of fetal deaths, around one third, remain unexplained, in addition to those caused by congenital malformations and maternal conditions.

Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) are promising alternatives to SQUIDs for fMCG due to their lower cost, smaller size, and greater flexibility, improving comfort and enabling broader use. Ongoing research includes using OPMs to monitor pelvic floor muscles and uterine contractions.

Quantum sensors have the potential to improve health outcomes for both fetuses and mothers. The use of fMCG with quantum sensors can provide more precise and accurate evaluation of fetal rhythm and is useful for diagnosing and prognosticating fetal arrhythmias. These technologies can also detect other adverse fetal and maternal conditions and enable the assessment of intrauterine cognitive development. Ultimately, the results can lead to earlier diagnosis of conditions, improved treatment guidance for the mother, and a better prognosis for both. Using OPMs instead of SQUIDs for fMCG improves maternal comfort and allows the system to be used throughout pregnancy.