A Telemonitoring System for High-Risk Pregnancies: a Novel Approach to Enhancing Prenatal Care and Reducing Maternal and Fetal Complications

A high-risk pregnancy involves conditions or complications that threaten the health of the mother or baby during pregnancy and childbirth. Global guidelines highlight that many of these risks can be identified, managed, and prevented through careful monitoring and timely diagnosis. In Guilan province, Iran, where the population has the highest average age in the country and increasing the birth rate is a priority, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions to support high-risk pregnancies. To address this, a telemonitoring system was developed to remotely monitor and manage pregnancies in women with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or other high-risk factors. The system works by notifying local healthcare centers via SMS when a high-risk pregnant woman is discharged from the hospital. These centers receive the patient's medical records, post-discharge care instructions, prescribed medications, follow-up appointment schedules, and contact details through the application. This ensures continuous remote monitoring and care. All patient interactions and health data are recorded in the app, providing a comprehensive digital record for ongoing management. To evaluate the system's effectiveness, a usability assessment was conducted to gauge user satisfaction. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with users expressing high levels of approval for the telemonitoring platform. This feedback confirms the system's practicality and success in meeting the needs of both healthcare providers and high-risk pregnant women.