Smart Ring in Abu Dhabi for Early Detection of Preterm Labor Risk

Abu Dhabi aims to identify the risk of preterm labor earlier with the help of a smart ring; a plan that is expected to give doctors more opportunities to care for at-risk mothers and newborns.

The Abu Dhabi Health Authority, in collaboration with a Finnish company, has launched a 24-month pilot project in which high-risk pregnant women use this company's smart ring to determine whether changes in vital signs can provide a recognizable warning before the onset of preterm labor.

This project, named Project Cradle, was introduced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit and is set to begin in the coming weeks.

The smart ring continuously records information such as heart rate, body temperature, sleep quality, physical activity, and stress levels. Researchers combine this information with clinical records and genetic data of pregnant women to better recognize potential signs of preterm labor.

The goal is that if specific changes in the mother's body appear before labor begins, doctors can detect it earlier and, if necessary, initiate treatments; including therapies to assist in the development of the newborn's lungs and brain or transfer the mother to a specialized neonatal care center.

Preterm labor is defined as the birth of a baby before the 37th week of pregnancy, and according to global statistics, one in every ten births is preterm.

Preterm infants may face respiratory problems, anemia, jaundice, heart issues, or brain bleeding. Some are also at greater risk for developmental problems, learning disabilities, and vision and hearing issues.

If Project Cradle can reliably identify signs of preterm labor, this technology could help medical teams prepare for the care of the mother and newborn before a crisis occurs.

This initiative is part of Abu Dhabi's broader program to utilize wearable technologies in preventive health care; an approach that seeks to enable earlier identification of risks and provide personalized care instead of reacting to problems after they occur.
Source: National News