CO:MATE
Maternal & Fetal Monitor
Women are having children later in life leading to an increase in high-risk pregnancies. Research shows this may potentially correlate to an increase in medical complications. As this is a vulnerable time, where additional medical attention is necessary, a companion device provides the ability to mentally comfort a mother between doctor visits.
Design Criteria
As pregnancy and gestation are a progressive state, different factors were highlighted as key identifiers within each trimester, ensuring the health of both mother and baby. Cardiac health emerged as a theme throughout the pregnancy as cardiac-related complications such as Preeclampsia can be detrimental. Pre-existing conditions can possibly be aggravated or may develop. Therefore in employing preventative measures, health care can be mobile, monitoring on the go.
Concept Development
Cardiac monitoring and fitness may be one of the core functionality within the design objective, however, this should not be sacrificed for overall style. Considering the product offerings within the category of wearable athletic devices as well as medical devices, aesthetically pleasing offerings were lacking, therefore emergent markets were developing within jewelry, aiming to entice a portion of the female market. Coupling this information with medical findings, identifying points on the body in which cardiac data can be collected as well as information about the emotional state of the mother and child, design decisions were informed. As a woman's body is constantly changing during the state of pregnancy, via swelling limbs, weight gain, or constriction of mobility, comfort is key.
Design Solution
A three-pronged solution was developed which enabled the user to utilize the collection of devices throughout pregnancy and beyond while emphasizing the importance of mobile health care. The technology of the wearable device is housed within a nodule which can be interchanged within different band offerings spanning from athletic options to more formal ones. The fetal monitor is intended for use within the third trimester, monitoring the child for signs of distress as the body preps for labor. All information collected via the fetal monitor and maternal wearable, are collated within a digital application wherein which the mother and the health care provider can monitor the state of health, and make recommendations accordingly.
