Sharon Perlman, MD – Principal investigator, Rabin Medical Center, affiliated to the Tel-Aviv University
Natav Hendin, MD – Principal investigator Rabin Medical Center, affiliated to the Tel-Aviv University
OBJECTIVE
Remote healthcare technology offers innovative solutions for patient care and education. This randomized controlled study evaluates the efficacy of pre-labor visual biofeedback, facilitated by self-operated home ultrasound devices, in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.
METHOD
Nulliparous women at 37-39 weeks’ gestation planning vaginal delivery will be randomized into three groups: (1) a single in-hospital prelabor maternal pushing training session using transperineal ultrasound visual biofeedback, followed by two weeks of biofeedback with a self-operated home ultrasound device; (2) a single in-hospital prelabor training session with ultrasound visual biofeedback; and (3) routine obstetrical ultrasound without biofeedback.
The self-operated ultrasound device, connected to a smartphone, enables self-trans perineal visual biofeedback. Custom software was developed to record and review pushing practices. Sonographic analysis will include fetal biometry, fetal head position,
and AoPs and HPDs during training.
The primary outcome is the second-stage duration. Secondary outcomes include mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal adverse obstetrical outcomes. Psychological questionnaires will assess fear of childbirth, confidence, perceived control, satisfaction, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and maternal-infant bonding.
RESULTS
Sixty participants have been recruited, and enrollment is ongoing. All participants in the intervention group successfully performed effective home training. Preliminary feedback demonstrates positive experiences and increased empowerment.
COMMENTS
This study demonstrates the potential of integrating remote healthcare technologies into prenatal care through self-operated ultrasound devices.
CONCLUSIONS
Prelabor-pushing training with self-operated ultrasound devices is feasible and promising for improving birth experiences and maternal mental health. Ongoing recruitment will provide further insights into its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
