Womb Watch: using a smartphone app to detect fetal movements

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational feasibility study investigates whether the Womb Watch app, used on a personal smartphone, can help monitor fetal movements in pregnant individuals between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation. Participants will be English-speaking, singleton pregnancies, including both low- and high-risk pregnancies, with internet access and no prior anxiety disorder. The study uses a prototype app installed on iPhone or Android devices and links participant data to a REDCap database for secure management. Enrollment targets 60 participants across three Texas centers, with coordinated setup and ongoing support from study staff. Outcomes focus on usability, data quality, and the app’s ability to capture objective fetal movement information beyond routine clinical testing.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to understand and voluntarily provide written signed informed consent to participate in the study.
* English speaking (the alpha version of the Womb Watch app is only available in English)
* Singleton intrauterine pregnancy
* Estimated gestational age at enrollment 28 weeks to 32 weeks
* Low-risk pregnancy with normal fetal growth and anatomy and no maternal co-morbidities of note.
* High-risk pregnancy including fetal anomalies and maternal co-morbidities including but not limited to cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, hematologic, gastrointestinal, endocrine/metabolic, immunologic, dermatologic, neurologic, or oncologic.
* No prior diagnosis of an anxiety mood disorder or a psychiatric illness
* Access to internet
* A functioning email address
* Owns personal smartphone; iPhone or Android of any generation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently pregnant with multiples (twins or more)
* Baseline GAD-7 score of 10 or more

Where it's running

• Dell Medical School- University of Texas at Austin
  Austin, Texas, United States Recruiting
• University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston - UTMB Health
  Galveston, Texas, United States Recruiting
• McGovern Medical School - UTHealth Houston
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kenneth Moise, MD
• Email: SmartphoneFetalResearch@austin.utexas.edu
• Phone: 713-444-7603

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.