Monitoring of pregnant women

Main article: Pregnancy and childbirth

Chronicle

2025

The Ministry of Health introduces mandatory non-invasive testing for pregnant women. It will allow detecting chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus

Ministry of Health Russia included in the draft a new procedure for the provision of medical care in the profile of "obstetrics and gynecology" the conduct of non-invasive prenatal testing for all pregnant women. This was RBC reported by the press service of the department on October 28, 2025.

Non-invasive prenatal testing is a method for early diagnosis of possible chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. The technology is based on the analysis of fetal DNA fragments circulating in the pregnant woman's blood.

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Фото: Freepik

The project establishes a mandatory visit to a medical psychologist at least twice during the period of childbearing. The requirement is aimed at providing psychological support for women at different stages of pregnancy.

The document provides for the use of the protocol for reporting the diagnosis when detecting malformations in the fetus. The standardization of the information procedure is designed to ensure correct communication between doctors and patients in difficult situations.

The possibility of patronage at home in the postpartum period, including mobile medical teams, is provided. The on-site service will increase the availability of health care for women after childbirth.

The draft procedure changed the standards for equipping antenatal clinics, perinatal centers, maternity hospitals and departments. Obsolete positions have been replaced with modern equipment. Obstetric hospitals are supplemented with medical devices that allow for remote centralized monitoring of the condition of the fetus and mother. The technology enables continuous monitoring of health indicators.

The standard of equipment includes equipment for assessing the clotting blood system at the bedside. Gynecological chairs adapted for people with limited mobility will appear in antenatal clinics. The tasks of advising women and families wishing to have children have been expanded. They will be provided with advice on reproductive health and breastfeeding.^[1]

EMIAS digital services for monitoring the health of pregnant women launched in Moscow

Moscow has introduced two new digital services within the framework of the capital's EMIAS system for monitoring women's health. The Pregnancy Register and Dispensary Surveillance platforms are designed to help doctors identify risks in a timely manner and systematically guide patients in antenatal clinics. This was reported by the Moscow government on October 22, 2025. Read more here.

Placenta-on-a-chip will explore the causes of complications in late pregnancy

Biologists from the Higher School of Economics together with researchers from the National Medical Research Center of the AGP named after V.I. Kulakov use microfluidic technologies to study pre-eclampsia. This dangerous complication affects about 8% of all pregnancies in the world. Preeclampsia begins to manifest itself only in late pregnancy - most often with high blood pressure, protein in the urine and impaired organ function. Despite decades of research, the exact causes of the disease remain not fully studied, but scientists believe that the origins should be sought at the stage of placental formation. The HSE announced this on August 18, 2025. Read more here.

2024

The volume of the global fetal monitoring market reached $3.11 billion

At the end of 2024, expenses on the global fetal monitoring market amounted to $3.11 billion. More than a third of this amount fell on the North American region. Such data are provided in a Fortune Business Insights study, the results of which were published on November 17, 2025.

Fetal monitoring involves monitoring the condition of the fetus and mother during pregnancy and childbirth. A special device (cardiotocograph) records the heart rate of the child, his motor activity and uterine contractions, helping to identify possible problems and take the necessary measures in a timely manner. The study is based on the Doppler effect: the ultrasonic wave is reflected from the fetus, after which changes in the frequency of the signal are analyzed. Such equipment is widely used in hospitals and maternity hospitals to detect fetal distress, make obstetric decisions and reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes.

One of the main drivers of the market, the authors of the study call an increase in the number of high-risk pregnancies against the background of an increase in the age of women in labor. Fetal monitors allow you to simultaneously track various indicators of the fetus and mother, such as heart rate, uterine contractions, blood pressure, etc. This helps to detect possible deviations and pathologies in a timely manner to prevent the risk of congenital diseases and other complications: in the event of alarming symptoms, the doctor can quickly decide on the need for unscheduled intervention.

Technological advances, including the integration of artificial intelligence, have a significant impact on the industry. By analyzing the data received from the cardiotocograph, as well as information on the medical history of the mother and her condition in general, AI algorithms are able to identify possible problems and predict the outcome of childbirth. AI-based tools aim to reduce subjectivity and interclinical variability in outcomes, as well as to reduce the number of errors associated with the human factor.

In addition, the functionality of modern fetal monitors is expanding and their usability is improving. Some systems can be used at home, giving indications to the doctor remotely around the clock. The new devices use wireless sensors and telemetry modules that broadcast fetal heart rate and uterine activity data to a central station, allowing patients to move around on their own rather than being chained to a bed.

By indicator recording method, the market is segmented into non-invasive and invasive monitoring. In 2024, the lion's share of revenue was provided by the first of these sectors. Geographically, North America leads, accounting for 34.4% of global spending, or $1.07 billion. Significant industry players on a global scale are:

• GE HealthCare Technologies;
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.;
• Mindray Medical International;
• Nihon Kohden;
• Analogic;
• Huntleigh Healthcare Limited;
• Bionet Co.;
• Edan Instruments;
• Spacelabs Healthcare;
• Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA.

In 2025, the fetal monitoring market is expected to reach $3.28 billion. At the same time, the United States will have $1.06 billion, Europe - $0.91 billion, Asia-Pacific - $0.99 billion. Fortune Business Insights analysts believe that in the future, the CAGR will be 5.7%. Thus, by 2032, costs may increase to $4.85 billion.^[2]

The government included pregnancy support in the Personal Medical Assistants experiment

The Russian government has included monitoring the course of pregnancy and the state of the fetus in the project "Personal Medical Assistants." This was announced by Roselectronics on December 13, 2024. Read more here.

Moscow scientists created a fetal phantom for ultrasound of pregnant women

In Moscow, scientists in the field of radiation diagnostics have already created 10 different medical phantoms. The tenth was a fetal phantom for ultrasound for pregnant women. It repeats the anatomy of the fetus at the 20th week of pregnancy and reproduces an identical ultrasound picture of what the ultrasound specialist receives during the study. This was reported to Zdrav.Expert on November 12, 2024 by representatives of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine. With the help of the product, students and residents train the skill of performing ultrasound. Read more here.

Moscow clinics have received a unique technology that speeds up MRI of pregnant women and makes it more accurate

Moscow medical institutions have received at their disposal an innovative technology that significantly increases the efficiency and accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pregnant women. This became known on July 9, 2024.

According to the Moscow Department of Health, the new technology was created by researchers at the Moscow Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine. The fetal phantom is a special device that mimics the organs and tissues of the fetus at the 21st week of pregnancy. This invention allows setting and working out the scanning technology during MRI diagnostics of pregnant women without the need to involve volunteers.

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Фото: mosgorzdrav

Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development, noted that the introduction of this technology is designed to make MRI studies more accessible and informative for pregnant patients. This is especially important in cases where the diagnosis needs to be clarified after performing an ultrasound or planning in utero surgery.

Yuri Vasiliev, chief freelance specialist in radiation and instrumental diagnostics of the Moscow Department of Health, director of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, explained that the fetal phantom was created using specially selected materials that imitate various organs and tissues. To achieve maximum similarity with the actual fetus, gel compositions were used, the signal intensity of which is identical to the internal organs of the fetus.

The use of a fetal phantom solves a number of problems associated with setting up scanning protocols. Previously, pregnant women volunteers were involved for these purposes, which was not always convenient and effective due to the duration of the procedure and possible interference caused by fetal movements and maternal breathing.^[3]

2023

Genetic pathologies in the fetus are now detected by a blood test - you no longer need to pierce the mother's womb

On November 22, 2023, American specialists from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Broad Institute announced the development of a new non-invasive method for testing pregnant women to detect genetic pathologies in the fetus. To conduct the test, it is enough to take a blood sample - it is not necessary to pierce the mother's womb.

Traditionally, amniocentesis is performed in the fetus for early diagnosis of chromosomal and genetic diseases. This is an invasive procedure consisting of puncture of the amniotic membrane in order to obtain amniotic fluid for subsequent laboratory examination. However, such an intervention may present certain risks to both the mother and the fetus. The new method allows you to do without amniocentesis.

To conduct a genetic pathology test, it is now enough to take a blood sample

The study involved staff at Boston Children's Hospital and other health facilities. Project participants called the proposed technology "non-invasive fetal sequencing" (NIFS). The blood-based method demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting single substitutions of DNA bases, inserts and deletions in the fetal genome that were absent from the mother regardless of the amount of fetal DNA detected.

The study analyzed blood samples from 51 pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy. The method made it possible to identify and predict variants of DNA sequences with sensitivity of more than 99% in the initial analysis and more than 90% based on the processed data. In 14 women who underwent a standard invasive procedure, NIFS was able to identify all clinically relevant variants found in a routine study. The method was effective in identifying new mutations that occur only in the fetal genome.^[4]

The blood test of a pregnant woman can now assess the risks of autism in a child

In mid-April 2023, scientists from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health developed a technology in which a pregnant woman's blood test can assess the risks of autism in a child. Read more here.

A device has been developed to measure pressure on the head of the fetus during childbirth

Researchers at University College London have developed a low-cost sensor device to help reduce the risk of stillbirth and maternal mortality during childbirth. The results of the work are published on January 30, 2023 in the journal Frontiers in Global Women's Health. Read more here.

DNA Technology has developed tests to assess the risk of having a child with hereditary diseases

The metropolitan company "DNA-Technology" has developed three types of tests to assess the risk of giving birth to a child with hereditary diseases. This was announced on January 27, 2023 by the head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy of Moscow, which is part of the Complex of Economic Policy and Property and Land Relations of the capital, Vladislav Ovchinsky. Read more here.

2022

Artificial intelligence taught to predict birth outcomes

On September 2, 2022, researchers from the Mayo Clinic reported that they had developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can predict birth outcomes. The technology has already begun to be used in clinical practice.

AI algorithms have been developed as a potential replacement for traditional pregnancy schedules, which can provide a general idea of how childbirth proceeds, but cannot account for all the numerous variables that may affect the ultimate success of childbirth.

Artificial intelligence has been taught to predict birth outcomes. The system works

The researchers built the model using data already collected by the child health and human development arm of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This information collected in the database included the results of 66,586 births, about 22% of which ended in so-called "adverse outcomes," such as emergency caesarean section, postpartum bleeding, infectious infection or death of a newborn.

Algorithms were trained to take into account more than 700 variables related to childbirth and the delivery process. This included information collected both before the birth, including the patients' baseline clinical data and the results of their last pre-birth clinical examinations, and throughout the process illustrating their condition from admission to hospital to delivery.

Given all these variables, the AI model was able to assign an almost accurate risk score to each patient starting at the time of admission to the hospital. At this baseline, patients who subsequently experienced adverse outcomes had a risk score above 35%, while those who had a healthy birth had a score below 25%.

The model continues to be tested in real-world maternity wards, researchers said in a news release from the Mayo Clinic.

{{quote 'After confirming the results of further studies, it can be assumed that the algorithm will function in real time, which means that with each new receipt of data during childbirth, a woman will automatically recalculate the risk of developing adverse outcomes, says Abinbola Famuide, MD, senior author of the study. In the future, the algorithm will help reduce the frequency of caesarean birth, as well as maternal and infant complications^[5] }}

The first automated solution of non-invasive prenatal testing has been released in Russia

On September 7, 2022, R-Pharm announced the registration of the first automated solution for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in Russia - VeriSeq NIPT Solution. It was developed by Illumina. Read more here.

"Goodwin" registered in Roszdravnadzor an updated version of the portable fetal monitor "Ilifia"

The company Yusontek"," a resident, Skolkovo Foundation registered Roszdravnadzor in the updated version of the portable fetal monitor under the trade brand name "" (Ilifia registration number: RZN 2021/16054). The introduction of the device into the system health care will help reduce perinatal. mortality in the country Skolkovo reported this on January 12, 2022. More. here

2021

Using a new technique for ultrasound examination of the placenta to detect fetal circulation problems

In late May 2021, a team of researchers funded by the National Institute health care USA developed a new technique ULTRASONOGRAPHY to monitor the placenta for impaired fetal blood flow early in pregnancy. The authors argue that their technique makes it possible to diagnose circulatory problems that could harm the fetus and otherwise go unnoticed until late in pregnancy. More. here

Detection of child malformations in utero via MRI

In mid-March 2021, researchers demonstrated that MRI can more accurately detect and detect malformations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen and spine of the fetus than traditional methods of examining children in the womb.

Staff at King's College London, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London conducted a major interdisciplinary study, the findings of which are published in the journal Lancet Child and Adolescent Health. A team of researchers and clinicians has shown how MRI scans can detect malformations with high accuracy, as well as assess their impact on surrounding structures. At the same time, the researchers note that MRI is safe for pregnant women and their future children.

MRI is able to identify many malformations of children in the womb

Until now, ultrasound was considered the method of choice for diagnosing these anomalies. However, sometimes the possibilities of ultrasound are limited, and MRI scans should come to the aid of doctors, the researchers say. For example, in fetal neck tumors, MRI has a clear advantage over conventional ultrasound, since it allows accurate assessment of the area of tumor spread and provides three-dimensional imaging of the tumor in relation to the respiratory tract. In addition, MRI is better suited than ultrasound to distinguish between normal and pathological pulmonary tissue and to make other diagnoses, such as diaphragmatic hernia, especially in late pregnancy.

New approaches to imaging the fetal body using MRI allow correction of fetal movements, increasing the clarity of images, as well as volumetric reconstruction of organs and body defects. The researchers note that these technologies improve image quality and overall imaging, and therefore the detectability and characterization of anomalies. ^[6]

2020

Samsung BiometryAssist announcement - technology for quick and accurate measurement of the fetus of pregnant women

In September 2020, Samsung Medison and Intel announced an updated BiometryAssist technology designed to measure the fetus of pregnant women as part of ultrasound examinations. The development takes advantage of the capabilities of the Intel Core i3 processor and the Intel Distribution of OpenVINO and OpenCV toolkits, which provide automatic measurement and estimation of fetal sizes with an accuracy of 97% in just 85 milliseconds. This speed of work allows the doctor to receive more patients and devote more time to communicate with them, the developers note. Read more here.

Jada Announcement - Postpartum Bleeding Stop Systems

In mid-September 2020, California-based Alydia Health introduced the Jada system to stop postpartum bleeding. It is a thin tube with a silicone tip that is inserted into the uterus and gently sucked to its wall to quickly stop bleeding. Read more here.

Announcement of an AI system for predicting risks in pregnant women

In early September 2020, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University presented a machine learning technique that allows you to analyze placental samples and calculate a woman's health risk in future pregnancies. The system is designed to help obstetricians-gynecologists, who will be very useful for the forecast of possible complications of future women in labor. According to the authors of the project, their development has already begun to be used in clinical practice. Read more here.

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