Disclosed is a fetal heart monitor vestment, having a non-conductive fabric garment configured to be closely fitted to a female, a monitor controller unit comprising a fetal heart rate monitor and having a data input port, an ECG harness comprising a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of conductive fabric wires, each electrode attached to at least one of the conductive fabric wires, the conductive fabric wires in attachment to and in communication with the data input port, the electrodes and conductive fabric wires integrated into the fabric of the garment, and at least one said electrode disposed in the garment so as to be positioned on, and in close contact with, the female in a manner effective in sensing a fetal cardiac potential signal. A variety of fetal heart rate monitors and methods of operation are also disclosed.