Archive · 13 Sep 2025
Wearable Tech May Help Detect Pregnancy Abnormalities
Scientists are looking at how smartwatches and fitness trackers can help during pregnancy.
They found that these devices can track changes in your body, like your heart rate, which change because of pregnancy hormones.
They looked at data from 108 people who used these devices before, during, and after their pregnancies.
The devices helped to track key changes, such as heart rate, which initially drops and then increases.
This information could help doctors monitor the health of both the mother and the baby.
This could be especially helpful for women who live in areas with limited access to healthcare.
Wearable devices like smartwatches may help detect pregnancy abnormalities.
Scientists tracked heart rate, sleep, and activity patterns using the devices.
Heart rate initially decreased then steadily increased during pregnancy.
The study involved 108 individuals who provided data.
Wearables could enhance prenatal care, particularly in areas with limited maternal care.
- Who
- Scientists at Scripps Research.
- What
- Found that wearable devices can potentially detect pregnancy abnormalities.
- When
- During pregnancy and postpartum.
- Where
- At Scripps Research.
- Why
- To monitor maternal health and potentially improve prenatal care.
- Study Focus
- Using wearable devices to monitor pregnancy health.
- Devices Used
- Smartwatches, fitness trackers (Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit).
- Participants
- 108 individuals.
- Key Finding
- Wearables can track physiological patterns related to pregnancy hormones.
- Data Tracked
- Heart rate, sleep, activity patterns.
- Heart Rate Change
- Initially decreased, then increased up to 9.4 bpm above pre-pregnancy levels.