Key Insights
The North America fetal and neonatal heart monitor market is experiencing robust growth, driven by several key factors. Technological advancements leading to smaller, more portable, and wireless devices are increasing accessibility and convenience for healthcare providers. The rising prevalence of premature births and low birth weight infants necessitates continuous monitoring, fueling demand for these essential tools. Furthermore, increasing awareness of the importance of early detection of fetal distress and neonatal complications among healthcare professionals and parents is driving market expansion. Hospitals and neonatal care centers are the primary end-users, accounting for a significant portion of market revenue. However, the growing adoption of home-based healthcare is creating new opportunities for smaller, user-friendly devices in the home healthcare segment. Competition within the market is intense, with established players like Becton Dickinson, Natus Medical, Masimo, and GE Healthcare vying for market share alongside emerging companies. While regulatory hurdles and high initial investment costs can pose challenges, the long-term growth outlook remains positive, particularly given the ongoing focus on improving maternal and neonatal care.
The market's growth is projected to continue at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.50% throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). This consistent growth reflects the ongoing need for advanced monitoring technologies and the expanding healthcare infrastructure in North America. The United States, as the largest market within the region, is expected to dominate, followed by Canada and Mexico. Market segmentation by product type (fetal monitoring devices and neonatal monitoring devices) and end-user (hospitals, neonatal care centers, and other end-users) allows for a granular understanding of market dynamics and growth opportunities across various segments. The increasing integration of these monitors with other medical devices and electronic health record (EHR) systems is also contributing to market expansion. Future market growth will depend on factors like technological innovation, regulatory approvals, reimbursement policies, and healthcare spending trends.
North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the North America fetal and neonatal heart monitor market, encompassing market dynamics, growth trends, competitive landscape, and future outlook. The study period covers 2019-2033, with 2025 as the base and estimated year. The report segments the market by product type (fetal monitoring devices, other fetal monitoring devices, neonatal monitoring devices) and end-user (hospitals, neonatal care centers, other end-users), offering granular insights for informed decision-making. The market is valued at XX Million units in 2025 and is projected to reach XX Million units by 2033.
North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Dynamics & Structure
The North American fetal and neonatal heart monitor market is characterized by a moderately concentrated landscape, with key players like Becton Dickinson and Company, Natus Medical Incorporated, Masimo Corporation, GE Healthcare, CooperSurgical Inc, Draegerwerk AG & Co KGaA, Koninklijke Philips NV, Medtronic Plc, Siemens Healthineers, and FUJIFILM Holdings Inc. driving innovation and competition. The market's growth is fueled by technological advancements, stringent regulatory frameworks emphasizing patient safety, and a rising demand for advanced monitoring solutions.
- Market Concentration: The market exhibits moderate concentration, with the top five players holding an estimated xx% market share in 2025.
- Technological Innovation: Continuous advancements in sensor technology, AI integration, and remote monitoring capabilities are key drivers.
- Regulatory Landscape: Stringent FDA regulations and safety standards shape product development and market entry.
- Competitive Substitutes: Limited direct substitutes exist, primarily due to the critical nature of fetal and neonatal monitoring.
- End-User Demographics: The market is driven by a growing birth rate, increasing prevalence of high-risk pregnancies, and expanding neonatal care infrastructure.
- M&A Activity: The market has witnessed a moderate level of M&A activity in recent years, with xx major deals recorded between 2019 and 2024.
North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Growth Trends & Insights
The North American fetal and neonatal heart monitor market experienced significant growth during the historical period (2019-2024), driven by factors such as technological advancements, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising awareness about the importance of early detection of fetal and neonatal abnormalities. The market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), reaching a market size of XX million units by 2033. Adoption rates are increasing steadily, particularly for advanced monitoring technologies offering remote capabilities and improved accuracy. This growth is further fueled by technological disruptions, such as the integration of AI and wireless connectivity, enhancing ease of use and data analysis. Consumer behavior is shifting towards a preference for non-invasive, user-friendly, and technologically advanced devices. Market penetration is expected to grow substantially across diverse healthcare settings.
Dominant Regions, Countries, or Segments in North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market
The United States dominates the North American fetal and neonatal heart monitor market, owing to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and a large number of specialized hospitals and neonatal care centers. Within the product segments, fetal monitoring devices currently hold a larger market share compared to neonatal monitoring devices. However, the latter segment is anticipated to witness faster growth due to increasing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions.
- United States: High healthcare expenditure, advanced infrastructure, and favorable regulatory environment contribute to market dominance.
- Canada: Steady market growth driven by increased investments in healthcare and technological advancements.
- Hospitals: Hospitals remain the largest end-user segment due to the concentration of specialized equipment and medical professionals.
- Neonatal Care Centers: This segment is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing prevalence of premature births and high-risk pregnancies.
North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Product Landscape
The market offers a diverse range of fetal and neonatal heart monitors, varying in features, functionalities, and technologies. Recent innovations include the integration of AI for improved accuracy, wireless connectivity for remote monitoring, and compact designs for ease of use. Unique selling propositions often revolve around improved data analysis capabilities, early warning systems for critical events, and user-friendly interfaces. The market is witnessing a transition towards more sophisticated and technologically advanced devices with greater emphasis on data analytics.
Key Drivers, Barriers & Challenges in North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market
Key Drivers: Rising prevalence of high-risk pregnancies, technological advancements (AI, remote monitoring), increasing healthcare expenditure, stringent regulatory compliance emphasizing safety and accuracy, and growing awareness among parents are crucial drivers.
Challenges and Restraints: High costs associated with advanced technologies, limited access to advanced equipment in certain regions, potential cybersecurity risks associated with wireless monitoring systems, and the complexities associated with regulatory compliance can act as significant barriers to market growth. The supply chain disruptions experienced recently have also impacted the availability of certain components, impacting production and distribution.
Emerging Opportunities in North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market
Untapped markets include rural and underserved areas with limited access to advanced healthcare facilities. The integration of AI and machine learning presents significant opportunities to enhance diagnostic accuracy and provide predictive analytics. The growing demand for home-based monitoring solutions will drive innovation in remote monitoring technologies. An increasing emphasis on patient comfort and user-friendly designs presents opportunities for companies to create more appealing and effective products.
Growth Accelerators in the North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Industry
Technological breakthroughs in sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and remote monitoring are key growth accelerators. Strategic partnerships between device manufacturers and healthcare providers are driving market expansion. The growing adoption of telehealth and remote patient monitoring is also creating new market opportunities.
Key Players Shaping the North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Market
- Becton Dickinson and Company
- Natus Medical Incorporated
- Masimo Corporation
- GE Healthcare
- CooperSurgical Inc
- Draegerwerk AG & Co KGaA
- Koninklijke Philips NV
- Medtronic Plc
- Siemens Healthineers
- FUJIFILM Holdings Inc
Notable Milestones in North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Sector
- September 2022: Pxierra launched an AI-powered baby monitor for non-contact heart rate and breathing rate measurement.
- June 2021: Nuvo Group received FDA approval for its INVU remote pregnancy monitoring platform, adding uterine activity monitoring.
In-Depth North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Outlook
The future of the North American fetal and neonatal heart monitor market is bright, driven by sustained technological innovation, increasing healthcare spending, and the growing prevalence of high-risk pregnancies. Strategic partnerships, expansion into untapped markets, and the development of user-friendly and cost-effective solutions will be crucial for sustained growth. The market is poised for significant expansion, presenting substantial opportunities for established players and new entrants alike.
North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Segmentation
-
1. Product Type
-
1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 1.1.1. Heart Rate Monitors
- 1.1.2. Uterine Contraction Monitor
- 1.1.3. Pulse Oximeters
- 1.1.4. Other Fetal Monitoring Devices
-
1.2. Neonatal Monitoring Devices
- 1.2.1. Cardiac Monitors
- 1.2.2. Capnographs
- 1.2.3. Blood Pressure Monitors
- 1.2.4. Other Neonatal Monitoring Devices
-
1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
-
2. End User
- 2.1. Hospitals
- 2.2. Neonatal Care Centers
- 2.3. Other End-users
-
3. Geography
- 3.1. United States
- 3.2. Canada
- 3.3. Mexico
North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. United States
- 2. Canada
- 3. Mexico
North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 2019-2033 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Estimated Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 6.50% from 2019-2033 |
| Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increasing Number of Preterm and Low-weight Births; Advanced Technology in Fetal and Prenatal Monitoring
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Stringent Regulatory Procedures
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Cardiac Monitors Segment is expected to Grow with a High CAGR During the Forecast Period
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 5.1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 5.1.1.1. Heart Rate Monitors
- 5.1.1.2. Uterine Contraction Monitor
- 5.1.1.3. Pulse Oximeters
- 5.1.1.4. Other Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 5.1.2. Neonatal Monitoring Devices
- 5.1.2.1. Cardiac Monitors
- 5.1.2.2. Capnographs
- 5.1.2.3. Blood Pressure Monitors
- 5.1.2.4. Other Neonatal Monitoring Devices
- 5.1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User
- 5.2.1. Hospitals
- 5.2.2. Neonatal Care Centers
- 5.2.3. Other End-users
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.3.1. United States
- 5.3.2. Canada
- 5.3.3. Mexico
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. United States
- 5.4.2. Canada
- 5.4.3. Mexico
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 6. United States North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 6.1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 6.1.1.1. Heart Rate Monitors
- 6.1.1.2. Uterine Contraction Monitor
- 6.1.1.3. Pulse Oximeters
- 6.1.1.4. Other Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 6.1.2. Neonatal Monitoring Devices
- 6.1.2.1. Cardiac Monitors
- 6.1.2.2. Capnographs
- 6.1.2.3. Blood Pressure Monitors
- 6.1.2.4. Other Neonatal Monitoring Devices
- 6.1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User
- 6.2.1. Hospitals
- 6.2.2. Neonatal Care Centers
- 6.2.3. Other End-users
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.3.1. United States
- 6.3.2. Canada
- 6.3.3. Mexico
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 7. Canada North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 7.1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 7.1.1.1. Heart Rate Monitors
- 7.1.1.2. Uterine Contraction Monitor
- 7.1.1.3. Pulse Oximeters
- 7.1.1.4. Other Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 7.1.2. Neonatal Monitoring Devices
- 7.1.2.1. Cardiac Monitors
- 7.1.2.2. Capnographs
- 7.1.2.3. Blood Pressure Monitors
- 7.1.2.4. Other Neonatal Monitoring Devices
- 7.1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User
- 7.2.1. Hospitals
- 7.2.2. Neonatal Care Centers
- 7.2.3. Other End-users
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.3.1. United States
- 7.3.2. Canada
- 7.3.3. Mexico
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 8. Mexico North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 8.1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 8.1.1.1. Heart Rate Monitors
- 8.1.1.2. Uterine Contraction Monitor
- 8.1.1.3. Pulse Oximeters
- 8.1.1.4. Other Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 8.1.2. Neonatal Monitoring Devices
- 8.1.2.1. Cardiac Monitors
- 8.1.2.2. Capnographs
- 8.1.2.3. Blood Pressure Monitors
- 8.1.2.4. Other Neonatal Monitoring Devices
- 8.1.1. Fetal Monitoring Devices
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User
- 8.2.1. Hospitals
- 8.2.2. Neonatal Care Centers
- 8.2.3. Other End-users
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.3.1. United States
- 8.3.2. Canada
- 8.3.3. Mexico
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 9. United States North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. Canada North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Mexico North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Rest of North America North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13. Competitive Analysis
- 13.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 13.2. Company Profiles
- 13.2.1 Becton Dickinson and Company
- 13.2.1.1. Overview
- 13.2.1.2. Products
- 13.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.2 Natus Medical Incorporated
- 13.2.2.1. Overview
- 13.2.2.2. Products
- 13.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.3 Masimo Corporation
- 13.2.3.1. Overview
- 13.2.3.2. Products
- 13.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.4 GE Healthcare
- 13.2.4.1. Overview
- 13.2.4.2. Products
- 13.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.5 CooperSurgical Inc
- 13.2.5.1. Overview
- 13.2.5.2. Products
- 13.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.6 Draegerwerk AG & Co KGaA
- 13.2.6.1. Overview
- 13.2.6.2. Products
- 13.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.7 Koninklijke Philips NV
- 13.2.7.1. Overview
- 13.2.7.2. Products
- 13.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.8 Medtronic Plc
- 13.2.8.1. Overview
- 13.2.8.2. Products
- 13.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.9 Siemens Healthineers*List Not Exhaustive
- 13.2.9.1. Overview
- 13.2.9.2. Products
- 13.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.10 FUJIFILM Holdings Inc
- 13.2.10.1. Overview
- 13.2.10.2. Products
- 13.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 13.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 13.2.1 Becton Dickinson and Company
List of Figures
- Figure 1: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: United States North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Canada North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Mexico North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Rest of North America North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 6.50%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market?
Key companies in the market include Becton Dickinson and Company, Natus Medical Incorporated, Masimo Corporation, GE Healthcare, CooperSurgical Inc, Draegerwerk AG & Co KGaA, Koninklijke Philips NV, Medtronic Plc, Siemens Healthineers*List Not Exhaustive, FUJIFILM Holdings Inc.
3. What are the main segments of the North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market?
The market segments include Product Type, End User, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increasing Number of Preterm and Low-weight Births; Advanced Technology in Fetal and Prenatal Monitoring.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Cardiac Monitors Segment is expected to Grow with a High CAGR During the Forecast Period.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Stringent Regulatory Procedures.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
In September 2022, Pxierra launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) baby monitor. This device is designed to provide non-contact heart rate and breathing rate measurements, making it easier and more convenient for patients to keep track of their newborns' vital signs.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the North America Fetal and Neonatal Heart Monitor Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database
Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)
Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations
Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence
