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Abstract

A system for detecting the onset of parturition by a mammalian female comprises an anchor, a temperature sensing means affixed to the anchor, and an alarm means, wherein the anchor has a diameter that is smaller than an interior diameter of a posterior portion of the female's vagina at the onset of parturition but greater than the interior diameter prior to the onset of parturition, and smaller than an interior diameter of an anterior portion of the female's vagina before and at the onset of parturition, such diameters being a function of muscular activity, such that the anchor is retained in the anterior portion for a period prior to the onset of parturition and expulsed at the onset of parturition, and wherein the sensing means senses a temperature differential at the location of the anchor before and after expulsion and actuates the alarm means. A method for detecting the onset of parturition, a system and method for predicting the onset of parturition, a system and method for detecting the attainment of fetal parturition readiness, and a system and method for detecting the occurrence of fetal stress syndrome are also described.

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