Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a medical device including a movable instrument (MI) which is activated only when its movement is within an optimal range of acceleration. More particularly the invention relates to a fetal heart rate monitor (FHRM) having a movable Doppler transducer which transceives ultrasound energy only when found within a certain optimal range of acceleration.

Abstract: A fetal heart rate monitor useful for locating and monitoring fetal heartbeat signal is disclosed. The fetal heart rate monitor may include: at least one Doppler transducer for acquiring said fetal heartbeat signal; at least one processor configured for processing data received from said at least one Doppler transducer and for determining whether the data is sufficient for acquiring and monitoring the fetal heartbeat signal and, if not sufficient, for providing guidance to a user to make location changes; and, at least one communication module for providing the guidance to the user. Said guidance may include guiding instructions to detect said fetal heartbeat signal according to feedback received from said at least one Doppler transducer and processed by said at least one processor and may further include verbal instructions comprising directions where to move the Doppler transducer on an abdomen of an expected mother.

Abstract: A method of detecting contractions in a user, the method may include providing alternating current with a determined frequency, through a first path in an abdominal tissue, between at least a first pair of electrodes positioned apart from each other over a first abdominal surface of the user. The method may further include repeatedly measuring a response of the abdominal tissue to excitation by the alternating current passing between at least a pair of electrodes, identifying at least one muscle contraction according to the changes in the response, and determining occurrence of uterine contractions based on at least one characteristic of the at least one muscle contraction. A system for detecting contractions in a user may include an alternating current generator, at least two electrodes, and a processor, operatively coupled to the at least two electrodes.