Technology in Pursuit of Maternity Wearables
摘要
Maternity clothing has become a popular trend among Indian women in the past few decades. Initial developments that happened in maternity wear were mostly focused on adding volume to clothing by introducing gathers or excess fabric to support physical growth with less scope for styling. The idea was more about concealing the grown body silhouette with loose maxi kind of dresses. The clothing range was further improved with the use of stretchable fabrics which gave freedom to introduce more style features while balancing comfort for pregnant women. Adaptability, comfort, and style were found to be some of the key features summarized by researchers who have been working to explore the needs, psychology, and physiology of women during and post-pregnancy periods. As we have stepped into the technological era, the wearable device industry is revamping the market for maternity wear and care. To monitor the health and physical activities of the mother and the fetus, as well as to lower risk during pregnancy, numerous wearable sensors and gadgets have been developed. While some wearables concentrate on the mother's health and physical activities, others monitor the fetus’s development and growth. Many maternity wear companies are incorporating smart fabrics into their designs, which are breathable, moisture-wicking, and support the mother's growing belly. This paper explores and interprets the emerging trends and current state of knowledge in health care textiles for smart maternal services, woman’s expectations towards maternity wear, and the present market scenario of maternity clothing.