Wearable monitor to detect blood loss after childbirth
Wearable device for continuous calculation of blood loss for postpartum hemorrhage
This project will create a wearable, light-based device that continuously estimates blood loss in people who have just given birth so heavy bleeding can be found sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11362125 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would wear a small, light-based sensor after delivery that continuously measures blood flow and related signals. The device uses light to track changes that reflect how much blood is being lost, rather than relying only on visual checks or standard vital signs. Because the body can hide early blood loss with compensation, the monitor aims to spot bleeding earlier even when blood pressure and heart rate look normal. Researchers will test the device in hospital postpartum settings to compare its readings with current methods and refine its accuracy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people in the immediate postpartum period after vaginal or cesarean birth, especially those with higher risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage.
Not a fit: People who are not in the immediate postpartum period or whose care setting cannot support wearable monitoring (for example, births at home without device access) are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help clinicians detect and treat heavy postpartum bleeding earlier, reducing complications and deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Related light-based and pulse-wave technologies have shown promise for tracking blood flow and volume, but using a wearable specifically to calculate postpartum blood loss is a new and early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien, Christine M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: O'brien, Christine M
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 below.