A device to accurately diagnose true versus false labor in pregnant women

Labor Status Monitor for diagnosing True versus False Labor in preterm patients

NIH-funded research Pretel, INC. · NIH-10484554

This study is testing a new device that helps quickly and accurately tell if pregnant women having preterm contractions are really in labor or not, making it easier for them to get the right care without long waits or confusion.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPretel, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chattanooga, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10484554 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a Labor Status Monitor that can quickly and accurately differentiate between true labor and false labor in preterm patients. Currently, evaluations can take up to four hours and often result in incorrect diagnoses, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations or missed treatment opportunities. The new device leverages advanced technology to assess uterine contractions more effectively, aiming to reduce the time and improve the accuracy of labor status evaluations. By addressing the limitations of existing methods, this research seeks to enhance patient care for pregnant women experiencing preterm contractions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women experiencing preterm contractions who require evaluation for labor status.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who are not experiencing preterm contractions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of incorrect labor diagnoses, leading to better treatment for preterm infants and potentially lowering healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous attempts to improve labor status diagnosis have shown modest gains, but this approach is considered innovative and has the potential for significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Chattanooga, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.