Studies show that apps have become a normal part of the pregnancy journey in the US. But while they could be powerful tools in improving maternal mortality, a new study, “What Comes After…” – created by maternal healthcare tech innovator Emagine Solutions Technology – suggests that pregnancy apps lack key features to serve modern maternal health needs.
With guidance and grant resources from the National Science Foundation, Emagine conducted more than 100 interviews from 2021-2023 – talking with patients, providers, experts, and insurers from diverse backgrounds across the US. “What Comes After…” is an affecting portrait of how postpartum abandonment puts all women at risk (particularly women of color), and a guide to rethinking pregnancy apps for the health of mothers, not just for babies.
Key findings include:
- While studies show that 30% of pregnancy-related maternal deaths occur well after childbirth, participants largely agreed that most apps lack meaningful postpartum features.
- Of those participants that used pregnancy apps, ~ 60% quit or said they were going to quit immediately post-birth, citing non-existent postpartum features, poor content, complex design, condescending tone and more.
- Key requested postpartum pregnancy app features include: strong mental health resources, dedicated human expert resources (ex: doulas and therapists), and childcare information (ex: nutrition).
(For full study, contact Kiri Jewell at kiri@storybylore.com)
A prize-winning alumnus of Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Program, National Science Foundation grant winner and creator of The Journey Pregnancy App, Emagine’s mission is to address the maternal health crisis with remote patient monitoring technology designed to improve pregnancy care.
“Despite our means and resources in the US, maternal mortality remains an ever-growing crisis,” says Emagine Co-founder and CEO Courtney Williams. “I hope the report continues the dialogue of how we are failing those that are bringing forth the next generation of Americans.”
Emagine’s The Journey Pregnancy App is available for free at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
For more info, visit: thejourney.health or emaginest.com.
About Emagine Solutions Technology
An award-winning healthcare technology company, Emagine is your companion for a safe pregnancy. Offering handheld ultrasound technology and remote patient monitoring software, we provide a new level of care to improve maternal health outcomes. To find out more, visit emaginest.com and follow Emagine on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook.
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