Revolutionary Wearable Device Allows Pregnant Women to Monitor Baby's Heartbeat Through Clothing
Eindhoven, Friday, 16 January 2026.
A groundbreaking wearable garment developed at Eindhoven University of Technology eliminates the discomfort of traditional fetal monitoring by using dry electrodes that work through clothing, removing the need for cold, sticky gels on skin.
Healthcare Technology Innovation Addresses Real-World Monitoring Challenges
This development represents a significant advancement in healthcare technology, specifically in the field of maternal and fetal monitoring devices. PhD researcher Yijing Zhang at Eindhoven University of Technology’s Department of Electrical Engineering has created a solution that addresses persistent problems with existing home fetal monitoring systems [1]. Current home monitors often work only through direct skin contact, and the gel applied to the skin can cause irritation, making the process uncomfortable and less effective [1]. Zhang defended her PhD thesis on January 6, 2026, marking the culmination of research that involved collaboration with multiple institutions [2]. The innovation eliminates the need for conductive gel and removes the requirement to expose the abdomen, allowing pregnant women to check fetal heart activity without interrupting their routine [3].
Technical Innovation: Dry Electrodes and Advanced Signal Processing
The wearable garment integrates dry electrodes and data-acquisition hardware specifically designed for monitoring fetal heart rate [1]. Zhang focused on minimizing noise during measurements to ensure the wearable monitor’s performance, using techniques like a hybrid amplifier structure and a fast reset scheme [1]. The researchers developed custom data-acquisition hardware built around a dedicated integrated-circuit chip that filters and amplifies the signals so they can be measured accurately even when the mother is moving or wearing multiple layers of clothing [3]. This technical approach addresses a fundamental challenge that many existing home monitors struggle with in real-world conditions, which limits their usefulness outside controlled clinical environments [3]. The advantage of designing the device in-house, according to Zhang, is that the design can be adjusted based on feedback during the development process [1].
Clinical Testing and Collaborative Development
The research was supported by the Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC) and involved collaboration with Maxima Medical Center (MMC), where the system was tested on more than 10 pregnant women [1]. Philips contributed to the technical aspects of the portable monitor, demonstrating the multi-institutional approach to this healthcare innovation [1]. The project was supervised by dr.ir. P.J.A. Harpe, prof.dr.ir. E. Cantatore, and dr.ir. S.F. Ouzounov, with prof.dr.ir. H.J. Visser serving as chair [1]. This collaborative framework between academia, healthcare institutions, and industry represents a comprehensive approach to developing medical devices that can transition from research to practical application.
Market Timeline and Global Healthcare Impact
Despite the promising technology, it will take another 5 to 10 years to bring the portable home monitor to market due to medical device regulations and reliability testing requirements [1]. Zhang emphasized the broader healthcare implications, noting that the device provides mothers with peace of mind as they can easily check on the health of their unborn child [1]. The data from home monitoring can be shared with hospitals, allowing for remote support to be provided, and if something is wrong, medical professionals can intervene in time [1]. This capability is particularly valuable in countries where people live far from hospitals, offering an alternative to traditional prenatal care [1]. The innovation addresses both comfort and accessibility challenges in maternal healthcare, potentially improving prenatal care outcomes through more consistent monitoring capabilities.