Textile-integrated electronics for ambulatory pregnancy monitoring

Constant pregnancy monitoring is a promising alternative for reducing the numbers of stillbirths and preterm deliveries 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. In this chapter, the ideal characteristics for such wearable monitoring systems are described. These were investigated considering technical aspects and user research. Furthermore, 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 foetal heart rate and electrohysterogram. Based on those requirements, several garment alternatives for the monitoring system are proposed and evaluated.