A connector assembly for a fetal scalp electrode for use in monitoring
fetal heart rate. The connector assembly is used in conjunction with a
fetal monitor coupling device and includes a holder formed of an
insulating material and a fetal electrode and a maternal electrode secured
to the holder. Each wire of an insulated pair of elongated flexible wires
is electrically connected to a respective one of the fetal and maternal
electrodes. The connector assembly further includes a connector having a
pin contact electrically connected to one of the wires and a cylindrical
contact electrically connected to the other of the wires. The cylindrical
contact is mounted coaxially with the pin contact so that the contacts are
electrically isolated from each other and are positioned to make
electrical contact with complementary contacts in the coupling device. The
connector assembly also preferably includes an elongated tubular sheath
that covers the connector and is sized to be received in the coupling
device. The sheath has a first end extending over and receiving the ends
of the pair of flexible wires, and a second end that is open and spaced
from each of the contacts so that a gap is formed between the contacts and
the second end of the sheath.