A wind-up fetal heart rate monitor aimed at curbing infant mortality in Africa is expected to be further developed, tested and commercialised.

Dubbed the 'Wind-up Fetal Doppler', the device's maker Philips says it is partnering with South African based non-profit PowerFree Education Technology (PET) to refine the gadget.

The ultrasound device is said to accurately count the fetal heart rate while the mother is in labour. This can prevent infant death and even brain damage by helping a midwife or delivering nurse detect a slowing fetal heart rate.

PET says it verified the impact of the device in tests in Uganda, "where 60% more cases of abnormal fetal heart rate were detected in labor, compared to the standard Pinard-stethoscope."

"It is very hard to do an accurate measurement with a Pinard-stethoscope, because you need to be able to hear the fetal heart well and count the rate correctly," says Anneke Jagau , a midwife working for PET.

"It is often also uncomfortable for the mother. A Doppler ultrasound fetal heart rate monitor is a good solution, but the current monitors on the market require mains or battery power, and are not robust enough." says Jagau in a statement.

The Philips Africa Innovation Hub is expected to commercialise the device.