Handheld Maternal-Fetal Early Warning System

In the poorest countries, there are 500 million maternal deaths, 3.2 million still births, and 4 million neonatal deaths each year. To prevent mortality, early detection of preeclampsia, labor dystocia, and the presence of preterm labor are important for determining possible hazards.

To detect problems with the mother and fetus during pregnancy, a system of reusable capacitive sensors and smart phones may be used to detect the presence of potential ailments. The device is a maternal-fetal monitoring system that aides medical personnel in decision-making. Once ailments are detected the patients may be sent to the proper facilities for treatment.

• Designed by: Neil Euliano of Convergent Engineering, Gainesville, FL, USA
• Manufacturer location: Florida, USA

This project received $100,000 in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Explorations Grant.

Clary, B. (n.d.). Non-invasive, All-inclusive Maternal-Fetal Monitoring System. University of Florida Office of Tecnology Licensing. Retrieved February 5, 2013. PDF available here.

Convergent Engineering. (n.d.). National Institutes of Health Commercialization Assistance Program. Retrieved February 5, 2013. PDF available here.

Round 5. (n.d.). Grand Challenges in Global Health. Retrieved February 5, 2013. Link available here.

U.S. Patent #8,275,451