Despite its limitations, fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing analysis is the best monitor of fetal well-being during labor or preparation for cesarean delivery. Current monitoring methods: transabdominal ultrasound and fetal scalp electrodes have limitations (tracing loss during fetal movement, potential to confuse maternal for fetal heart rate, inability to monitor during cesarean section or abdominal surgery) and, in the latter case, risks (infection, hematoma). A reliable, non-invasive monitor of the fetal heart rate that can be used during labor, non-obstetric and obstetric surgery during pregnancy is needed. Recent developments in use of maternal abdominal electrodes for extraction of the FHR and contraction information inform this study.