Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
Official title: Wearable device for continuous calculation of blood loss for postpartum hemorrhage
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11627926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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 start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $108,208 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL179205-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11627926 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant or recently post-delivery individuals at risk for postpartum hemorrhage in clinical settings where the device can be tested.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without postpartum hemorrhage or those in settings where the device cannot be used may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to use a non-invasive wearable to continuously monitor blood flow and related cardiovascular parameters after birth. By leveraging light-based sensing, the device seeks to estimate blood loss in real time, even when rapid treatments or fluids are given. If successful, it could provide an early warning of postpartum hemorrhage to guide prompt intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potential to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by enabling earlier, more reliable detection of postpartum hemorrhage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous methods rely on delayed vital signs; this approach aims for continuous, real-time detection, which is a novel improvement.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Simulation to strengthen obstetricians' hands-on skills for postpartum hemorrhage
A multicenter program uses realistic obstetric simulations to help OB attendings perform critical maneuvers like Bakri balloon placement and suturing techniques during postpartum hemorrhage.
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.