Soft Sensors for Wireless Monitoring During Labor by

Source Details

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 14:15:17 UTC

UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health

Jeffrey Stringer MD - Co-senior author of study

Shuai Xu MD - Co-senior author of study

URL: https://sph.unc.edu/sph-news/untethering-mothers-soft-comfortable-sensors-are-first-to-comprehensively-monitor-pregnant-women-and-their-babies-without-wires/

Date Published

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 14:19:51 UTC

May 10th, 2021

Summary of Current Innovation

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 14:42:19 UTC

Rather than continue with electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) during labor that requires the use of 2 belts, UNC school of global public health along with researchers from Northwest University created wireless fetal monitoring sensors that collect all of the traditional data but at greater comfort for the mom. This wireless monitoring consists of one sensor to measure the baby's heart rate and the mom's contractions. A second sensor is placed on the mom's chest to monitor her heart and core body temperature. And finally, a third sensor is placed on the mom's finger to monitor O2 levels and peripheral body temperature

APA Citation:

Untethering mothers: Soft, comfortable sensors are first to comprehensively monitor pregnant women and their babies without wires. UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. (2021, June 16). https://sph.unc.edu/sph-news/untethering-mothers-soft-comfortable-sensors-are-first-to-comprehensively-monitor-pregnant-women-and-their-babies-without-wires/

Embedded Video

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 14:46:19 UTC

Embedded Photo

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 14:51:01 UTC

Pros of Soft Sensors

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 14:57:20 UTC

Soft sensors allow the mother to feel like she can get up and move around during labor without worrying about the traditional belts slipping out of place.

These sensors send data straight to the physicians phone/tablet.

The devices are waterproof which allows mothers to shower while still being monitored.

UNC states that these devices are "low cost"

Cons of Soft Sensors

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 15:00:51 UTC

I believe the biggest con is that this is a new device and there may be pushback from providers/nurses on labor and delivery units that are used to the traditional monitoring system. Otherwise, there do not seem to be any cons to this new development.

Opinion and Rationale

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 15:05:37 UTC

In my opinion, soft sensors are an excellent tool for maternal and fetal monitoring during labor. I love how it allows moms to move around during labor without feeling like these devices are going to slip and need to be constantly adjusted. I also think it is great that moms can shower while wearing these devices and that physicians and nurses are able to monitor the data without having to continuously go in and out of the patient's room.

Using Strengths

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 15:17:07 UTC

My strengths according to the Gallup Strengths Finder include: Harmony, Developer, Empathy, Discipline, and Belief. I believe these strengths will help my team because I always seek consensus between team members and strive to help everyone do their best work while still being empathetic.

Teams

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 15:29:59 UTC

I chose Daniel, whose strength is "discipline," as a team member because I know he will do what needs to be done to meet timelines and will be organized.

I chose Pablo, whose strength is "positivity," as a team member because he is upbeat and can get people excited about what we are developing.

I chose Alice, whose strength is "achiever," as a team member because she will be productive and a consistent hard worker for our team.

I chose Sheila, whose strength is "strategic," as a team member because she will be invaluable to the team when we inevitably hit road blocks. She will help us create a new plan or strategy when needed.

I chose Chelsea, whose strength is "command," as a team member because she will take control of situations when needed and be a decisive voice on our team.

References

ofaulk — 2024-09-17 15:32:55 UTC