Wearable Technology in Women’s Health: A Review of Applications for Fertility Tracking and Pregnancy Monitoring View PDF

The advent of wearable technology has significantly transformed various facets of healthcare, including women’s reproductive health, fertility tracking, and pregnancy monitoring [1-6]. Analyzing the current literature reveals a burgeoning interest in leveraging wearable devices to enhance maternal health outcomes, facilitate personalized care, and address specific physiological monitoring needs during pregnancy [7-9]. One of the primary applications of wearable technology in women’s health pertains to fertility tracking. Wearable devices have been increasingly utilized to monitor physiological parameters that are indicative of ovulation and fertility status [10-15]. Maugeri et al. [16] conducted a scoping review that systematically mapped the literature on wearable sensors in the context of fetal and pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing their potential to support personalized antenatal care. Similarly, Liu et al. [17] highlighted the integration of physiological data processing and AI in pregnancy monitoring, underscoring the role of wearable sensors in capturing vital signs relevant to fertility and pregnancy health. These devices enable continuous, non-invasive tracking of parameters such as body temperature, heart rate, and hormonal fluctuations, which are critical for identifying fertile windows and optimizing conception timing [18-21].

Furthermore, the literature indicates that wearable technology can provide valuable insights into hormonal and physiological changes associated with ovulation, especially in women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome [22, 23]. Vause et al. [24] reviewed ovulation induction options in polycystic ovary syndrome, although their focus was primarily on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions rather than wearable devices. Nonetheless, the potential for wearable technology to complement such interventions by offering real-time ovulation prediction remains promising, as continuous monitoring could improve the accuracy of fertility assessments.

In the realm of pregnancy monitoring, wearable devices have been explored for their capacity to track maternal physiological parameters and environmental exposures [25-29]. Radin et al. [30] emphasized that digital tracking tools could better characterize a woman’s individual health trajectory during pregnancy, potentially identifying early deviations that signal adverse outcomes. This personalized approach is further supported by Li et al. [31], who conducted qualitative interviews with pregnant women and clinicians, revealing perceptions that mHealth and wearable technologies could enhance engagement and improve monitoring of maternal health. These perceptions suggest that wearable devices could serve as accessible tools for continuous monitoring, thereby facilitating early intervention and tailored care.

Specific physiological parameters monitored by wearables include heart rate variability, sleep patterns, blood pressure, and environmental exposures (Table 1) [32-35]. Jafleh et al. [36] reviewed the role of wearable devices across various medical fields, including endocrinology and obstetrics, noting their utility in fertility tracking and pregnancy management. The potential of heart rate variability as a stress biomarker during pregnancy has been highlighted by Byfield et al. [37], who conducted a scoping review on heart rate variability measurement among pregnant and postpartum women. Their findings suggest that heart rate variability monitoring via wearables could serve as an indicator of stress and mental health, which are critical factors influencing pregnancy outcomes. Sleep monitoring is another area where wearable technology shows significant promise. Balkan et al. [38] reviewed portable sleep monitoring devices in pregnancy, emphasizing their potential to estimate perinatal outcomes and identify sleep-disordered breathing, which can adversely affect maternal and neonatal health. Although more research is needed to standardize these tools, their application could provide valuable data on sleep quality and disturbances during pregnancy, contributing to comprehensive maternal health assessments. 

Despite the promising applications, challenges remain in the widespread adoption of wearable technology for women’s health. Muzny et al. [39] identified limited research on perceptions among pregnant women and healthcare providers regarding wearable sensors, indicating that user acceptance and integration into clinical practice are areas requiring further exploration. Additionally, security concerns related to data privacy and cybersecurity risks associated with IoTbased wearables have been discussed by Sam et al. [40], emphasizing the need for robust safeguards to protect sensitive health data. The commercial landscape of wearable health devices is expanding, with various products tailored for different populations, including pregnant women and seniors. Tedesco et al. [41] reviewed activity trackers for senior citizens, highlighting the acceptability and limitations of consumer-grade devices, which could inform the development of pregnancy-specific wearables. Consumer perceptions and usability are critical factors influencing the effectiveness of these devices, as explored by Chong et al. [42], who analyzed user reviews and found that ease of use and accuracy significantly impact user engagement.

Overall, the literature underscores the significant potential of wearable technology to revolutionize women’s reproductive health by enabling continuous, personalized monitoring of fertility and pregnancy parameters. These devices can facilitate early detection of complications, improve patient engagement, and support tailored interventions. However, challenges related to user acceptance, data security, and standardization need to be addressed to fully realize their benefits. As research progresses, integrating wearable sensors with advanced data analytics and AI holds promise for transforming maternal healthcare into a more proactive and individualized discipline, ultimately improving outcomes for mothers and their babies.