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MAPPING

The ‘big four’ pregnancy pathologies—fetal growth restriction, premature birth, congenital disease, and asphyxia—affect 17-24% of pregnancies worldwide, contributing to 2.6 million stillbirths and 303,000 maternal deaths annually. A key limitation of the current clinical practice lies in the late detection of these complications, as current early detection strategies remain limited. 

Research shows that these pathologies often stem from abnormal development in the fetal cardiovascular system and placenta, as well as maladaptations in the maternal cardiovascular system and uterus. However, the complex interactions between these systems remain poorly understood, as they are typically studied by considering each individual component separately. The MAPPING project aims to address this gap by investigating the interplay between the maternal and fetal cardiovascular systems, mediated by the uterus and placenta, to uncover mechanisms underlying healthy and pathological pregnancies, with the final aim of improving pregnancy outcome. 

Our approach integrates advanced mathematical models to characterize these interactions across different gestational stages. Such models are translated into intuitive coupling maps—graphical representations designed to enhance clinical reliability. These coupling maps will form the basis of a clinical support system that automatically classifies pregnancies as healthy or pathological, enabling timely diagnosis and personalized care. 

MAPPING represents a collaborative effort between ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø, Philips, and Máxima Medical Center. By improving our understanding of pregnancy complications, the project paves the way for innovative diagnostic tools, earlier interventions, and better pregnancy outcomes.

HASTA

Development of home monitoring for pregnancies and babies at risk is currently considered of utmost importance. First of all, it will improve a healthy start as fetus, and later infant, can mature in their home environment. In addition, as shortages of staff occur and hospital care is outgrowing its budget, smart technologies are needed to make current healthcare more sustainable and accessible for the future. 

The overall objective of the HASTA project is to develop new telemonitoring technologies and perform tests in a clinical environment in order to have short-stroke improvement iterations. Sensors are developed and implemented to allow use in a home environment, while dashboards are used to determine the risk profile and growth & sleep patterns in order to timely indicate that medical supervision may be necessary.  

The HASTA project aims at developing novel technology for both the pregnancy and neonatal stage. For pregnancy, we will leverage electrophysiological cardiotocography (matured during previous research in our team and commercialized by the spin-off company Nemo Healthcare, that emerged from the research in our group) that can be used at home and develop hybrid digital twin models to support early detection of abnormality. 

For neonates, we will leverage a fiber-optics mat, developed at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø, that functions as an extremely sensitive motion sensor. By collecting and analyzing motion patterns, we will assess sleep and wake patterns of the neonate, as early markers for decreased weight gain and growth. 

By developing methods for 24/7 monitoring – to be used in the home situation where otherwise problems may remain unnoticed - this project aims at giving babies a healthy start. The HASTA project is a collaboration between ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø, Nemo Healthcare, Luxisens and Máxima Medical Center.