New research shows fitness trackers could be a game changer in monitoring pregnancies and potentially predicting the risk of premature births. Fitness trackers are already popular for monitoring physical activity and sleep patterns, but this study highlights their potential for maternal health as well. A team of doctors and researchers in Boston, Massachusetts analyzed data from over 240 pregnant women wearing fitness trackers.
On average, all women gave birth seven weeks after their heart rate changed. Mothers whose heart rate changed before their 33rd week of gestation meant they were most likely to give birth prematurely. This groundbreaking research shows the potential for technology to improve maternal health and potentially reduce the number of babies born too soon. High-risk pregnancies could also be detected and possibly prevented when pregnant women wear a fitness tracker.
