Remote pregnancy monitoring technology has the potential to be a game-changer for expectant mothers living in areas prone to extreme climate changes, such as tropical and winter storms.
The current catastrophe, with the winter blizzard covering almost half of the United States, is an unfortunate, yet perfect example.
HeraMED’s technology allows doctors to remotely monitor the health and well-being of pregnant women, even when they are unable to physically visit a healthcare facility.
One of the biggest challenges that pregnant women face during extreme climate events is the disruption of access to medical care. In the case of a tropical storm, for example, flooding and other damage to infrastructure can make it difficult or impossible for expectant mothers to reach a hospital or clinic. Similarly, during a winter storm, heavy snowfall and icy roads can make it extremely difficult and unsafe to travel to a healthcare facility.
Remote pregnancy monitoring technology can help to mitigate these challenges by allowing expectant mothers to receive medical care and advice from the comfort of their own homes. This can be especially important during the later stages of pregnancy, when frequent visits to a healthcare facility may be necessary.
Snow and high winds led to blizzard conditions and treacherous driving in areas such as Wainfleet in Ontario, Canada. [Carlos Osorio/Reuters]
Remote pregnancy monitoring technology can also help to ensure the safety of expectant mothers and their babies during extreme climate events. Most commonly, in cases of severe storms, pregnant women specifically may be more vulnerable and at an increased risk of illness or injury due to extreme cold, flooding, poor road conditions, power outages, and other hazards. By remotely capturing vitals such as fetal heartrate, blood pressure, symptom tracking, mental health etc, and carefully monitoring the overall health of the pregnancy, doctors can identify potential issues early on and take appropriate action to address them.
Overall, remote pregnancy monitoring technology has the potential to be a valuable tool for expectant mothers living in areas prone to extreme climate changes. It can help to ensure the health and safety of pregnant women, even when access to medical care is disrupted.