Garment design for an ambulatory pregnancy monitoring system

Abstract

Constant pregnancy monitoring is a promising alternative to reduce the number of stillbirths and preterm delivery due to false alarms. Telemonitoring systems can provide regular, accurate and timely monitoring to reduce risks, costs and the time the mothers-to-be spend at hospitals. A smart garment integrated with sensors and a flexible printed circuit board for ambulatory pregnancy monitoring is proposed. A study was conducted to gather user requirements to ensure comfort during long registrations of Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) and Electrohysterogram (EHG). Based on those requirements, several garment alternatives for the monitoring system are proposed and evaluated.