fetoscope

[ fee-tuh-skohp ]

noun

1. a tubular fiberoptic instrument used for diagnostic examination of the fetus and interior of the uterus.

fetoscope

/ fiːˈtɒskəpɪ; ˈfiːtəʊˌskəʊp /

noun

1. a fibreoptic instrument that can be passed through the abdomen of a pregnant woman to enable examination of the fetus and withdrawal of blood for sampling in prenatal diagnosis

Derived Forms

• fetoscopy, noun

Other Words From

• fe·to·scop·ic [fee-t, uh, -, skop, -ik], adjective
• fe·tos·co·pist [fee-, tos, -k, uh, -pist], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetoscope¹

First recorded in 1970–75; fet(us) + -o- + -scope

Example Sentences

As Wolf recounts, one obstetrician used to press his fetoscope to women’s abdomens and pretend to listen to the voices of their unborn children: “You know, I can hear your baby!” he would tell them.

From New York Times

The three-hour operation saw surgeons insert a "fetoscope" - a small telescope with a camera and light and two instruments - through a hole in Axford's abdomen.

From Fox News

In one, they inserted a “fetoscope,” a small telescope fitted with a camera, light and grasping tool.

From Seattle Times

She used her own blood pressure cuff to monitor her blood pressure and a fetoscope to listen to her baby’s heart beat.

From US News