IoT-Based Smart Wearable Belt for Tracking Fetal Kicks and Movements in Expectant Mothers

Fetal movements (FMs) are spontaneous actions performed by the fetus in the womb. Monitoring FMs is vital for assessing fetal health and detecting potential complications during pregnancy. Unmonitored fetal activity can indicate potential adverse effects such as fetal distress, restricted growth, or placental insufficiency. Regular monitoring helps detect issues early and ensures fetal health. FMs involve monitoring the frequency and force with which the baby kicks as well as the location of the kicks in the abdominal area. Monitoring of these parameters for a longer period gives details about fetal activity and its health. This article presents a novel fetus monitoring belt system designed to measure and analyze fetal kicks, its intensity, frequency, and the position where it occurred in abdomen. The system utilizes high accuracy thin-film pressure sensors strategically placed within a flexible and breathable belt to cover the entire abdominal area. The sensors operate by detecting changes in resistance caused by applied force due to fetus kicks and translate these changes into measurable electrical signals. The belt system integrates with a mobile application to offer real-time data visualization and analysis. Additionally, it tracks the temperature and position of the expecting mother using integrated sensors. This innovative system enables home-based monitoring and reduces the need for frequent visits to healthcare facilities and enhances maternal convenience. The belt’s high sensitivity is capable of detecting forces ranging from 1.47 to 98.1 N. The belt is flexible and comfortable to wear. The fetus monitoring belt system can store and track data over time, which makes it a practical tool for continuous as well as remote monitoring. The fetus monitoring belt system offers convenience, accuracy, and comprehensive monitoring capabilities. The performance of the belt is evaluated by perceived fetus kicks and movements by volunteers and the comparison results proved significant accuracy of proposed belt system.