Proposal of a Fetal Movement Sharing System Using a Pressure Sensor Array

We propose a novel fetal movement sharing system employing a pressure sensor array-based fetal movement scanner and a display device. The proposed system aims to bridge the gap between subjective fetal movements experienced by pregnant women and objective shareable fetal movement data that enable fathers and other family members to strengthen their bond with the fetus. The system can be easily mounted on the abdomen of a pregnant woman, allowing the scanner to capture detailed data about the location and intensity of fetal movements; the display device visually and tactilely reproduces these movements and makes them available for viewing. Experiments conducted on pregnant women demonstrate the system’s ability to measure and reproduce fetal movements, thus providing insights into the fetus’s health and activity patterns. Feedback from individuals with and without childbirth experience has indicated the system’s potential to promote emotional connections and strengthen family bonds. This innovative approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of fetal movements but also provides a new aspect of prenatal care that emphasizes the emotional and psychological well-being of the whole family.