Identify
Distinguish an acoustic horn from an electronic Doppler device.
MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUBLOOK CLOSELY / UNDERSTAND CLEARLY
Pinard fetal stethoscope
Identify a Pinard horn and explain its role and limitations in fetal-heart auscultation.
REFERENCE GALLERY1 / 1 reference
1
Broad bell
The wider end applied for acoustic contact in the intended examination.
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pinard — reference view
Image: AAMI2205 · Source / original · CC BY-SA 3.0Resized and converted to WebP; original colours retained.
Identify and explain
Acoustic transmission carries sound from the maternal abdominal surface to the examiner.
- Broad contact end
- Hollow horn-shaped body
- Narrow listening end
Interpret
Differentiate maternal and fetal rates using a supervised clinical assessment.
Limitations
A finding depends on pregnancy stage, position, environment and technique.
At the viva table
Try answering aloud, then open the suggested answer. Examiner questions vary.
01 / Does it use ultrasound?
No. It is an acoustic instrument.
02 / Why compare the maternal pulse?
To avoid confusing maternal pulsation with a fetal heart sound.
03 / Is a brief sound alone a complete fetal assessment?
No. Assessment depends on the clinical context and indicated monitoring.
04 / Does inability to hear immediately prove fetal compromise?
No. Seek appropriate clinical review and additional assessment.