A wearable device to detect early signs of postpartum hemorrhage
Official title: Wearable multifunctional optical device for early detection of postpartum hemorrhage
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10919207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new wearable device that helps new moms keep an eye on their blood flow to catch early signs of postpartum hemorrhage, so they can get quick help if needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $241,712 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD103954-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are new mothers who have recently given birth, particularly those who have undergone cesarean sections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not recent mothers or those who have not experienced childbirth will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wearable optical device that can noninvasively monitor blood flow and content in new mothers to detect early signs of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). By measuring changes in peripheral blood flow and fluid transfer, the device aims to provide timely alerts for medical intervention. The approach leverages advanced optical technologies to identify critical physiological changes before traditional indicators like blood pressure and heart rate are affected. This could significantly improve the chances of prompt treatment and reduce maternal mortality associated with PPH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in maternal mortality by enabling early detection and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using optical technologies for monitoring blood flow, suggesting that this approach could be effective in detecting postpartum hemorrhage.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien, Christine M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: O'brien, Christine M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
-
Maternal Postpartum Monitoring with a Wearable Sensor (MOMS)
A wearable system called MOMS will continuously monitor multiple physiological signals in pregnant people to detect postpartum hemorrhage earlier than standard vital signs.
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AI-powered real-time postpartum hemorrhage risk predictor in clinical care
A real-time AI tool integrated into electronic health records helps identify women at risk for postpartum hemorrhage so clinicians can intervene earlier.
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Targeting Ubiquitination to Improve Uterotonic Therapies in Postpartum Hemorrhage
A new approach aims to boost uterine contractions during childbirth and after delivery by understanding how a hormone receptor is regulated, potentially reducing postpartum hemorrhage risk.
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Personalized Postpartum Bleeding Risk Prediction with Machine Learning and Genetic Scores
This grant aims to create a personalized tool that predicts a mother’s risk of postpartum hemorrhage using machine learning and her genetic information.
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OPTIMUM OB-TXA: Timing, route, and dose of tranexamic acid to prevent postpartum bleeding before cord clamping
Aims to find the best time, method, and amount of tranexamic acid given before cord clamping to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in new mothers and protect babies.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.