11 high-tech objects to follow the evolution

Pregnancy, while wonderful for many women, is also a time of uncertainty and fear. Even more so when it comes to a first child. Some mothers get worried quickly and need to see or hear all of their baby’s actions in utero. Others also seek to communicate with him, whether in music or with the word, in order to create a strong bond. Many also want to ensure their health and their weight gain, to avoid possible complications.

Rest assured, in the digital age, several high-tech objects allow these future mothers to follow the progress of their pregnancy and their fetus, outside of medical appointments. We take stock of the items to have for a connected pregnancy!

See also: 9 months pregnant in 90 seconds

Video by Catherine nowak

The fetal doppler

The home-use fetal doppler works with ultrasound, such as radar or sonar, to listen to a baby’s heartbeat in utero. This is particularly what differentiates it from ultrasound since it does not provide images, but small noises. Namely that the Doppler does not really listen to the baby’s heart, but rather the blood flow in his heart.

It is based on the same technique as the obstetric Doppler used by healthcare professionals. But if the latter is a real tool for detecting abnormal blood circulation and therefore possible pathology, the fetal Doppler is simply an “entertaining” device for parents.

Be careful, however, of the disturbing side of this high-tech object. Some mothers may indeed be needlessly afraid, thinking they have not heard their baby’s heart. Keep in mind that this is a device to use for fun, but it does not guarantee the health of the baby. Also, be careful not to overexpose your baby to ultrasound, as recommended. National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM)… And this, even if the risks are low with this type of device. In short, do not use it every day.

How it works ? The fetal doppler is used from the 12th week of pregnancy. It comes in the form of a small box to put on his stomach. It includes headphones or earphones to listen to sounds emitted in utero. Note that some models also have a probe or an LCD screen.

• The “DZDZ” fetal doppler : The device includes a high sensitivity waterproof probe and an LCD display.
• The “Cocoon Life Smart” fetal doppler : it offers optimal sound transmission of movements and heartbeats thanks to a large contact surface. Sounds can thus be archived and shared using the free Cocoon Life application. In addition to this, you need to know more about it.
• The “Mister Baby” Fetal Doppler : easy to use, it also includes a recording cable to save baby sounds on your computer.

Also read: The smart list of what to REALLY buy before giving birth (and what can wait)

Connected watches

Today, many people – and especially athletes – use smartwatches to monitor their physical activity and performance. Number of steps, measurement of hydration level, calories burned… this high-tech object leaves nothing to chance and helps ensure good physical condition.

During pregnancy, this device can be useful for those who wish to continue to practice daily activity. She will also be able to keep an eye on her heart rate – which is important during pregnancy because there is a risk of high blood pressure.

• The Atria 2.0 connected watch from “FitTrack” : it uses light optical sensors which make it possible to analyze the blood flow and therefore to analyze the heart rate of the mother-to-be. She can also look at her number of steps and the distance she has walked. Most ? It gives indications on the sleep cycle (important and very changeable during pregnancy).
• Venu and Vivoactiv “Garmin” connected watches : these devices are equipped with all the functions of a connected watch, but the brand stands out because it offers “pregnancy monitoring”. Indeed, users will be able to follow the progress of their pregnancy and the baby’s movements through advice on exercises and nutrition, personalized reminders or data relating to health, well-being, ‘physical activity. They can also download the “contraction timer” application to track the frequency and duration of contractions.

Music for your baby!

It is well known that having baby listen to music during pregnancy is beneficial. And for good reason, long before his birth, our cherub is already feeling emotions. The music soothes the fetus and he perceives this as a kind of language. This is a good way to communicate with your little one before he comes into the world. Some devices allow you to play songs to your baby, through your tummy:

• The “Ritmo” musical belt : it is equipped with four headphones that allow expectant mothers to interact with their babies. Once placed around the belly, it connects to an Mp3 player to share music or to a phone to talk with her child.
• The “Pixie Tunes” baby bump speaker system : here, it is about placing headphones with silicone adhesive patches on his belly, connected to a phone to play music or soothing sounds.

What music does baby prefer? If you want to make him listen to your musical preferences, know that the fetus will like more… classical music! This is indeed what emerged from a study conducted at Institut Marquès of Barcelona in 2018. Although they do not know how to explain it, they have discovered that “Classical or traditional music provokes positive stimuli in the development of fetuses inside their mother’s womb”. It’s up to you to download Mozart or Beethoven.

See also: Our selection of maternity pants to combine style and comfort

Connected scales

Keeping track of your weight gain during pregnancy is important. Insufficient or too much weight gain is indeed dangerous for the baby. According to a study conducted by the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research from Portland, being overweight during pregnancy increases the risk of obesity in children.

Your doctor or obstetrician-gynecologist will therefore not closely monitor your weight during these nine months. At home, you can also do this with smart scales. The advantage, unlike conventional scales, is that they record the data that you can find on your smartphone. Enough to easily follow the progress of your pregnancy.

• The “FitTrack” Dara connected scale : it allows a complete analysis of your body composition through 17 indicators (muscle mass, fat mass, hydration, etc.) with an accuracy of +/- 3%. The results are visible thanks to an application to download on his smartphone. This is also compatible with the Atria connected watch. You can create a weekly or monthly history for each indicator.
• The “Withings / Nokia” connected scale : it shows you your weight, your BMI, your fat mass, your water mass, your muscle mass, but also your bone mass. It also shows you your number of steps taken the day before to understand more quickly and simply the impact of your daily efforts on weight. Most ? When your child is born, you can also control their weight with precision by hugging them during the weighing process.
• The connected scale “Senya” : it has all the features of a connected scale, at a lower price if you don’t want to spend too much. You can download the application to follow your progress.
• The “Teraillon” Master Coach connected scale : the Wi-Fi connection of this scale allows data to be transmitted quickly to a smartphone. Thanks to its 4 weight sensors integrated on the scale pan, Master Coach analyzes your weight, your BMI and your body composition. A 3-month slimming coaching is offered for any purchase of a Master Coach. This coaching offers real personalized follow-up via telephone appointments with a dedicated dietitian.

Keep in mind, however, that you don’t need to over-equip yourself. These connected objects are useful, but can also be a source of stress for future parents. Follow your instincts and listen to yourself, this is the most important.

Elise Poiret

Journalist specializing in parenthood, Elise writes for aufeminin and Parole de mamans. She is also very involved in the fight for women’s rights. If you only have to remember …