User's Manual

Fetal Monitoring

15-27

Mermaid Option

The Mermaid option is designed to enhance the birthing experience for mothers

who require continuous monitoring but would like to relax in a shower or tub, or to

move around without being “tethered” to a monitor. The patient wears a small

transmit badge that is attached to the waterproof ultrasound and toco transducers

by a short cable. Mermaid differs from telemetry in that the transmission of the

fetal heart rate and uterine contractions take place through infrared technology

rather than radio frequencies. The transducers run on batteries that will operate

for 8-hours (typical) before batteries must be changed. Recharge time is about

one hour. You may have some minor interference from lights in the patient’s room,

or the patient may move beyond the range of the system. If this should happen,

either move the receiver to a location with a better view of the patient, or have the

patient move closer to the antenna.

Monitoring Procedure

1. Make sure that the Maternal Obstetrical Monitor is attached to the Mermaid

receiver system. The connector is located on the right side panel of the

Maternal Obstetrical Monitor.

2. Attach a battery pack (a) to the Mermaid toco transducer by aligning the ridge

with the transducer cable connector (b). The battery pack should fall into the

transducer element with a noticeable movement.

• When the transmitter is powered ON, it should emit a short tone

to indicate that the battery is good. If the battery is low, the

transmitter emits a steady tone until depleted. Replace the

battery if the transmitter is emitting a steady tone or is depleted.

• If the patient exceeds the receiving range, the signal may be

weak or may drop out. The patient should return to within range

of the fetal monitor.

• Certain locations may require that the whip antenna be fully

extended to enhance reception.

• Each telemetry unit (transmitter) operates on a specific radio

frequency and is uniquely paired with a receiver internal to the

fetal module. These must remain together to operate properly.