Researchers at Monash University have developed a soft, wearable “Band-Aid-like” abdominal patch that uses AI to detect foetal movements (kicks, rolls, stretches) with more than 90% accuracy in clinical trials offering a comfortable, continuous monitoring option outside the hospital.
Glimpse:
The patch (about 10–14 cm²) uses pressure- and strain-sensors on the maternal abdomen, and a machine-learning algorithm to distinguish real foetal movements from maternal motion. In a trial involving 59 pregnant women, it successfully identified foetal movements with over 90% accuracy, compared against ultrasound as the reference standard.
A team of engineers and obstetricians at Monash University have introduced a soft, flexible wearable patch designed to monitor foetal movements continuously. The device roughly the size of a small bandage combines two integrated sensors: a gold-nanowire-based strain sensor and a pressure sensor. These pick up subtle surface strains and pressure changes on the mother’s abdomen caused by foetal kicks or rolls.
In laboratory tests with artificial abdomen models, the sensors reliably detected simulated movements from different directions and depths. Afterwards, the patch was trialled on 59 pregnant women at a hospital: two patches were applied to the abdomen and performance compared with ultrasound findings. The AI model correctly flagged foetal movements over 90% of the time.
The researchers highlight that this patch is not meant to replace clinical visits or ultrasound assessments but to complement them by offering continuous, non-invasive, home-based monitoring. It may help expectant parents detect changes in foetal activity earlier, and feel more informed and reassured in between scheduled scans.
Looking ahead, larger trials including home or community settings and regulatory approval are needed before widespread adoption.
“Fetal movements tell us a lot about how a baby is doing, but right now we don’t have an easy, comfortable way to monitor them continuously outside the hospital. Our soft wearable is designed to change that.”
By
HB Team
