Empowering Mother & Childcare, Leveraging Technology For Better Health

Maternal health is crucial for the well-being of both mothers and their children. When women are healthy, they can actively participate in the workforce, support their families, and drive economic growth in their communities and the nation. As a cornerstone of public health initiatives, maternal and child healthcare has long been a global challenge, with issues such as unequal access to quality care, high costs, and disparities in health outcomes for mothers and their babies persisting worldwide.

Technological advances hold the potential to address these challenges and transform maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH). Innovations like telemedicine, wearable devices, AI, and data analytics are emerging as powerful tools, enhancing healthcare pathways for mothers and babies. According to a McKinsey report investments addressing the women’s health gap could add years to life and life to years—and potentially boost the global economy by USD 1 trillion annually by 2040.

There are many obstacles that impede the efficiency of maternal and childcare services. Limited or no access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas is still a massive concern. Cost is another major hurdle, as many households are struggling to make ends meet. Disparities overlap and are fuelled by variations in the provision of care, which range from extremely good or bad.

Aside from these systemic challenges, introducing new technologies to the maternal and child healthcare systems has some of its obstacles. Infrastructure barriers (insufficient technology resources, and connectivity issues) may hinder the uptake of new tools. Protected healthcare information has been closely guarded for years, and changing this is not easy due to extensive regulation and deep-rooted behaviours within traditional care delivery practices. Nevertheless, some technological advances seem to be helping with these two limitations and consequently improving the utility of delivery care.

Advancements in Mother and Childcare Technologies

Recent technological progressions are fundamentally changing maternal and pediatric care:

1. Obstetric Ultrasound and Foetal Monitoring:

   • Artificial intelligence applied to ultrasound imaging has dramatically improved prenatal screening. These AI-enhanced ultrasound machines markedly heighten imaging accuracy and diagnostic potential, enabling early revelation of possible complications such as congenital heart defects. By permitting timely intervention, this progress vastly elevates outcomes.

2. Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring:

• Telemedicine has revolutionised how prenatal care is delivered, particularly for high-risk pregnancies. Virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring empower clinicians to more adeptly oversee patients' well-being without frequent in-person appointments. Meanwhile, AI is being applied to make sense of the deluge of medical data. Significantly, machine learning algorithms show promise in assisting practitioners with treatment decisions.

2. IoT Devices and Wearables:

   • Internet of Things (IoT) devices and wearables now contribute significantly to monitoring expectant mothers' wellness remotely. An array of sensors collects expectant mothers' vital signs and other medical data points in real-time, delivering a steady stream of such information to healthcare providers. Wearables help detect potential complications early on and promote proactive care, working to ensure favourable outcomes for both mother and baby.

3. Artificial Intelligence in Predictive Analytics:

   • Artificial intelligence applications are increasingly valuable for forecasting maternal healthcare needs and customising treatment plans. By analysing the immense volumes of accumulated data, AI can identify subtle patterns and accurately predict likely health issues ahead of time. This functionality enhances diagnostic precision and allows for individualised care tailored specifically for each expectant mother's distinct needs.

4. Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications:

   • mHealth applications provide information on childcare practices, vaccination schedules, and nutrition. Empowering mothers to take proactive measures in managing their own health and their children's, they foster better outcomes through education and backing.

The integration of technology into maternal and childcare services is transforming the manner in which care is delivered and experienced. From sophisticated imaging and distant monitoring to predictive investigation and mobile health applications, these innovations are addressing key difficulties and improving health results. While technology continues to evolve, its potential to additionally enhance maternal and child healthcare appears boundless. Imagining a future where technology is central to healthcare, one anticipates a world where every mother and child has access to high-quality, personalised care, ensuring healthier lives for all with reduced risk of infant mortality and morbidity.

Pallavi Vajinepalli

Guest Author Principal Scientist and Group Leader, at Philips Innovation Campus, Bangalore