Sonicaid

A sonicaid is a listening device used in the care of pregnancy. Using a highly sensitive microphone the sound of the fetal heartbeat can be amplified and monitored using a small loudspeaker.

Before the widespread use of sonicaids, and still in many poorer countries, a fetal stethoscope was used. One great advantage of the sonicard is the loudspeaker, allowing people other than the midwife or doctor using the device to listen to the heartbeat. Some medical practioners prefer to continue using a fetal stethoscope instead of the electronic device.

Sonicaids are made by different companies with different specifications, most having a digital display that show the heart rate in beats per minute.