The year 2024 marks a new "baby boom" in Israel, with a 10.11% increase in births compared to the previous year. One of the key reasons for this phenomenon is the technological revolution in the world of Birth Tech, which has made pregnancy and childbirth safer and more pleasant than ever before.
The field of pregnancy and childbirth, which historically relied primarily on medical knowledge and traditional tools, has undergone a significant technological transformation in recent decades. Today, the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and data analysis systems allows expectant mothers and medical teams to monitor pregnancies with greater accuracy, safety, and accessibility.
Here is an overview of the leading technological solutions that are making pregnancy and childbirth a more pleasant experience:
1. Smart Delivery Rooms
At Sheba Medical Center, the first smart delivery rooms in Israel—and among the most pioneering in the world—are now available. These rooms feature a variety of technological innovations based on sound, lighting, and visualization.
The rooms offer guided audio and video content to reduce anxiety and relieve stress, including breathing guidance during contractions, posture instructions, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, mindfulness, and yoga breathing exercises. The smart system can be connected to a personal phone, allowing video calls on a large screen and access to various TV channels.
During labor, the mother can choose her preferred birth experience, including emotional nature videos combined with lighting and music. She can "give birth" alongside dolphins, beneath the northern lights, or even in a forest during a torrential downpour, all projected onto a giant screen.
2. Portable Ultrasound Devices
In the past, ultrasound examinations required bulky and complex equipment. Today, thanks to compact devices like portable ultrasound machines that connect to smartphones, scans can be performed anywhere and in real-time.
These devices provide access to ultrasound examinations even in remote areas or developing countries. A portable home ultrasound device allows patients to scan themselves and send the scan with the push of a button to an interpretation center, eliminating the need to visit a doctor or emergency room and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
3. Wearable Fetal Monitors
Wearable sensors, such as smart belts or patches, enable continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate, fetal movements, and the mother's condition. These sensors transmit data directly to a phone app, allowing parents access to medical information and alerting them in case of abnormalities.
4. TENS Devices for Pain Relief
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices provide an advanced technological solution to help women manage pain during contractions. These devices send mild electrical pulses through the skin, helping relieve pain by stimulating nerves and releasing endorphins—the body's natural painkillers.
These devices are particularly popular in natural births due to their non-invasive nature and lack of side effects. The company Tzirei markets these devices and recommends purchasing or renting them a few weeks before delivery. Recently, the company also began offering TENS devices designed to help manage pain during breastfeeding.
5. Artificial Intelligence in Risk Detection
AI systems now analyze medical data in real-time, including the mother's medical history, blood test results, and ultrasound examinations. These systems detect risks such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or potential childbirth complications, allowing doctors to intervene earlier and prevent possible problems during pregnancy or delivery.
6. Non-Invasive Genetic Testing (NIPT)
Non-invasive pregnancy tests can often replace the need for amniocentesis. Instead of performing an invasive procedure, fetal DNA fragments present in the mother's blood can now be analyzed during pregnancy to accurately assess the baby's health and detect potential abnormalities.
7. Personalized Pregnancy Tracking Apps
Pregnancy tracking apps have significantly advanced in recent years. They provide personalized information based on the pregnancy week, send reminders for necessary tests, and help track symptoms such as fetal movements, sleep quality, and nutrition.
8. Virtual Reality (VR) for Labor Preparation
Many women fear childbirth and the unknown aspects surrounding it. Virtual reality technology allows expectant mothers to "practice" different birth scenarios, gain a better understanding of the birth process, and reduce anxiety.
9. Real-Time Data in the Delivery Room
For complex births, smart systems provide real-time information to medical teams. These systems analyze data such as fetal heart rate, uterine condition, and labor progression, offering recommendations for the next steps.
Technology continues to evolve, making childbirth a more pleasant experience by reducing pain, optimizing procedures, and minimizing risks. During labor, women receive more than just functional care—they experience a process tailored to their needs, allowing them to enjoy this special moment.
In this sense, the future is already here, and the world of pregnancy and childbirth has transformed completely, making the experience one that many women are happy to go through again.