mHealth use during pregnancy: A systematic review.

Abstract

Background: The use of mobile health (mHealth) therapies during pregnancy has aroused increasing attention. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of mHealth interventions on pregnant women's quality of life and pregnancy outcomes, with specific attention to psychosocial health.

Search strategy: We performed a systematic review of the literature published between 2013 and 2023 from eight databases.

Selection criteria: English-language original articles released in 2013-2023 on the use of modern technology in caring for pregnant women, and articles with the subject matter pregnant and financially independent women.

Data collection and analysis: The data focused on the intervention parameters defined as those that increase the frequency of medical examination attendance, including follow-up, and improve the level of health education, compliance with medical preventive procedures, and participation in health events.

Main results: Our results demonstrated that the quality of life of pregnant women using mHealth improved in the specified areas. These interventions, including various tools such as text messaging, voice calls, mobile applications, and wearable devices, have been shown to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings, by providing educational resources, monitoring maternal and fetal health status, and increasing adherence to treatment plans.

Conclusion: The implementation of mHealth interventions during pregnancy can enhance the overall quality of healthcare and provide more promising pregnancy outcomes. Further investigation is needed to find the optimum types of mHealth intervention and how they can be integrated into existing healthcare systems.