Problem being addressed[edit | edit source]
Eclampsia accounts for about 40% of maternal mortality in low resource environments. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and heightened protein in the urine. Identifying these stages early is essential for successful treatment. However, the tools for detecting blood pressure and analyzing urine are expensive and inaccessible for women in developing countries.
Detailed description of the solution[edit | edit source]
Instead of testing blood pressure or urine, the momedemameter detects for edema, another indicator of pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy issues. The device is an elastic wrist or ankle band that detects swelling, starting at the 20th week of pregnancy. If the band becomes snug, the mother knows to see a doctor. This device is inexpensive, extremely easy to use, and allows women to monitor pre-eclampsia without waiting in line for checkups.
Designed by[edit | edit source]
- Designed by: Virginia Commonwealth University led by Ashley Woodward
When and where it was tested/implemented[edit | edit source]
Trials at Obstetrics Clinics at VCU Medical Center
Funding Source[edit | edit source]
National Institute of Health
References[edit | edit source]
Peer-reviewed publications[edit | edit source]
Pawluk, D., Burch, D., Strauss III, J. F., Peng, T., & Woodward, A. (2009). The Momedemameter: An Affordable Preeclampsia Detector For Low Resource Environments. Journal of medical devices, 3(1), 014501. Retrieved November 13 2013 from here.