Home Cardiotocography in High-Risk Pregnancies: A Retrospective Study on Feasibility and Patient Well-Being

Abstract

Background: Around 15% of pregnancies develop complications requiring detailed monitoring. With technological advancements, home cardiotocography has emerged as a potential alternative to the conventional approach, aiming to alleviate the stress and logistical challenges associated with in-clinic care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the capability of a portable device to collect data for accurate interpretation of the examination and to evaluate patient satisfaction, along with physical and emotional comfort during the monitoring process. Methods: This retrospective study included 32 women with high-risk pregnancies, who independently performed 581 examinations utilizing the portable cardiotocography device Pregnabit Pro (Nestmedic, Poland). Moreover, participants were asked to provide feedback on their experiences through a comprehensive survey. Results: In total, 95.7% of examinations successfully captured all necessary diagnostic data. Patients reported a high satisfaction rate, recognizing the potential of the home-based approach to improve their overall pregnancy experience. A preference for home-based testing over in-clinic visits was consistently noted among patients. Discussion: This study shows evidence that home cardiotocography is a feasible and patient-preferred method for monitoring high-risk pregnancies. Our findings underline the importance of technological integration in prenatal care, advocating for a shift toward more patient-centered, accessible, and potentially cost-effective health care solutions.