Development of a Real Time Weight Monitoring System for Premature Infants

The management and care of premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) demand precise and frequent monitoring of various health parameters, including body weight. Traditional methods of weighing premature infants often involve the removal and reinsertion of medical tubes, a process that can cause discomfort and potential health risks to these vulnerable patients. This abstract introduces an innovative weight monitoring system designed to provide real-time, accurate measurements of a premature infant’s weight in milligrams without the need to disturb the infant or remove medical tubing. Utilizing the NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller and a sensitive load cell, the system offers a non-intrusive, continuous weight monitoring solution. The design addresses the critical need for minimizing physical handling of premature infants while ensuring accurate weight tracking, a key indicator of health and development. The system’s capability to transmit real-time data to medical professionals’ aid in timely decision-making and enhances the overall care process. The design and implementation of the system, including the integration of the NodeMCU ESP8266 platform with the load cell for high-precision measurements, are detailed. Furthermore, the calibration process, data accuracy, and the system’s potential to reduce the workload of medical staff and improve the standard of care in NICUs are discussed. Preliminary results and implications for future research and clinical application are also presented, highlighting the system’s role in advancing neonatal care technology.