Pregnancy can be an incredibly exciting time for parents, but it comes with chances for complications. Possible issues can include high blood pressure, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and gestational diabetes. Without good prenatal care, these complications can pose significant health risks. For this reason, many healthcare providers, startups, and workers are investing their time and resources in using technology to revolutionize prenatal care. In this post, we will discuss some of these technologies.
Wearables
Wearable technology is one of the most useful tools in healthcare—from smartwatches that track your daily steps and heart rate to sophisticated biosensors that collect data such as movement and respiratory rates. Today’s wearables can enlighten you and your doctor about your health status. For those who might need constant monitoring during pregnancy, wearables can help ensure safety.
One wearable is Nuvo Group’s Invu, which measures markers of maternal and fetal wellbeing. This tool can measure metrics such as fetal heart rate, fetal movements, uterine activity, and maternal heart rate—all by using surface electrodes. The data is then sent remotely to the patient’s obstetrician for documentation and monitoring. Nuvo Group designed Invu to fit comfortably during pregnancy thanks to modern PCBs that allow the manufacturer to fit powerful components in unusually shaped devices. As wearable technology continues to innovate, more compact and affordable products will likely be available on the market.
Imaging
Imaging tools such as ultrasounds serve an important purpose throughout pregnancy. Aside from providing visual data, ultrasounds allow for prompt investigation and management of acute and chronic medical symptoms during pregnancy. However, not every patient can easily access imaging and diagnostics facilities.
To make imaging more accessible, Israeli startup PulseNmore has created an at-home handheld ultrasound system called Instinct. For $300, Instinct allows patients to record and send images to their obstetrician. This device enables obstetricians to evaluate critical pregnancy information — such as placental location, amniotic fluid, fetal position, and cardiac activity. When there’s a considerable demand for telehealth solutions, such innovative tools allow patients to better provide information to their obstetricians. This technology can significantly benefit those in rural areas who don’t have immediate access to health facilities.
Apps
You can do almost anything on a smartphone. Through apps developed by various healthcare providers, it is now possible to set clinic appointments and talk to a general practitioner. This solution benefits patients who need immediate insight and advice regarding their pregnancy. New York startup Maven Clinic has launched an app geared toward pregnant patients — where users can book appointments and even video chat with obstetricians, therapists, nutritionists, and more. The app also has a practitioner-moderated forum where users can engage with the community.
Thanks to today’s technology, there can be less worry and anxiety during pregnancy.
