In this expert insights session from ISUOG 2024, Prof. Basky Thilaganathan discusses how wearable technology can transform preeclampsia management. He explains the underlying physiology of preeclampsia as an imbalance between maternal cardiac supply and placental demand, which can lead to hypertension and related complications during pregnancy.
Blood pressure monitoring plays a critical role in screening, diagnosis, and ongoing care. Prof. Thilaganathan outlines how remote monitoring solutions, including cuff-based wearable devices, enable frequent and accurate measurements outside the clinic, providing valuable data for early detection and intervention.
The Scooter study is presented as a case example, evaluating the effectiveness of wearable technology in tracking maternal blood pressure and identifying women at risk of preeclampsia or chronic hypertension. The data demonstrate how continuous, remote monitoring can improve risk stratification, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and enhance patient engagement in their own care.
Beyond blood pressure, the technology’s potential for integrating additional health metrics to support maternal cardiovascular health is explored. Prof. Thilaganathan emphasizes the importance of combining technological innovation with clinical expertise to improve pregnancy outcomes, particularly for high-risk women.
The session concludes with recommendations for incorporating wearable monitoring into routine obstetric care, highlighting its potential to transform preeclampsia management through earlier intervention, better patient compliance, and improved maternal and fetal health outcomes.
