Smartwatches May Transform Pregnancy Monitoring, Study Finds

A recent study indicates that smartwatches and fitness trackers could significantly enhance pregnancy care by monitoring health changes remotely. Researchers from Scripps Research have discovered preliminary evidence suggesting that devices such as the Apple Watch, Garmin, and Fitbit can track physiological patterns—specifically heart rate—that correlate with hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy.

According to Giorgio Quer, the director of artificial intelligence and assistant professor of Digital Medicine at Scripps Research, “Wearable devices offer a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions that address the high number of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the US.” He further emphasized that the collected signals via wearable sensors reflect expected changes in hormone levels, potentially allowing for continuous monitoring of maternal health throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Study Methodology and Findings

The research involved 108 individuals who provided data from three months before conception through six months after delivery. The team employed advanced statistical methods to identify population-level patterns while accounting for individual differences and device variations. This approach enabled the identification of physiological patterns aligned with fluctuations in key pregnancy hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

The researchers found compelling data regarding heart rate changes. During early pregnancy, heart rates initially decreased between weeks five and nine, then increased steadily, peaking up to 9.4 beats per minute above pre-pregnancy levels approximately eight to nine weeks before delivery. After childbirth, heart rates fell below baseline levels but stabilized around six months postpartum.

Additionally, the team monitored sleep and activity patterns throughout the pregnancy. They validated the correlation between wearable sensor data and published hormone-level data from previous studies, creating detailed models that predicted heart rate changes based on anticipated hormonal fluctuations.

Potential Impact on Prenatal Care

While the findings are preliminary, they suggest that wearable technology could improve prenatal care, particularly for women living in areas with limited access to maternal health services. The ability to track vital signs and hormonal changes remotely could empower expectant mothers and healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding maternal and fetal health.

The research highlights an emerging intersection between technology and healthcare, demonstrating the potential of everyday devices to contribute to significant health monitoring advancements. As this field develops, it may pave the way for improved outcomes in pregnancy care and management.