Innovative Wearable Ultrasound Developed for Continuous Monitoring of Foetuses
Scientists create wearable ultrasound to continuously monitor babies in womb
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Researchers have created a wearable ultrasound patch, named UPatch, designed to continuously monitor babies in the womb, potentially enabling early detection of pregnancy complications. This device could transform prenatal care by providing real-time data on foetal health, which is currently limited by traditional ultrasound methods.
- 01The UPatch can continuously monitor foetal heart rate and blood flow, addressing the limitations of traditional ultrasound methods.
- 02In trials, the wearable device showed close agreement with standard handheld ultrasound measurements.
- 03The device was pivotal in a pre-eclamptic case, enabling timely caesarean delivery to prevent stillbirth.
- 04Researchers are developing a wireless version to enhance usability in everyday life, including at home.
- 05The technology could significantly benefit low-resource areas and provide valuable data for academic research.
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Scientists have developed a groundbreaking wearable ultrasound patch, named UPatch, capable of continuously monitoring foetal health in the womb. Current ultrasound techniques are limited, often leading to false alarms and restricted to hospital visits. In contrast, UPatch allows for real-time tracking of the baby's heart rate and blood flow, capturing data continuously and anywhere. Prof. Sheng Xu from Stanford University emphasized that this device can provide a comprehensive view of the baby's condition, potentially leading to better diagnoses and interventions. Tested in trials across the US and UK, UPatch demonstrated close correlation with conventional ultrasound devices. Notably, it played a crucial role in a case of intrauterine growth restriction, prompting a necessary caesarean delivery. The team is now focused on developing a wireless version for everyday use, which could be particularly beneficial in low-resource settings. Dr. Antoniya Georgieva from the University of Oxford highlighted the significant potential of UPatch to prevent stillbirth and enhance understanding of foetal health.
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The UPatch could significantly improve prenatal care by providing continuous monitoring, which may lead to early detection of complications.
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