Research Center: University of Arizona Department of Physiology
Location: This is a virtual study open across the United States
Lead Researcher: Elise Erickson, PhD, CNM
IRB: An Institutional Review Board responsible for human subjects research at The University of Arizona reviewed this research project and found it to be acceptable, according to applicable state and federal regulations and University policies designed to protect the rights and welfare of participants in research.

Pregnancy brings many changes, especially if you have a higher risk of complications. What if tracking certain physiological signs could help predict labor onset?

Researchers are studying how wearable technology, like smart rings, might provide valuable insights into temperature, heart rate, and other metrics throughout pregnancy and postpartum. By analyzing this data, the study aims to improve planning for labor and delivery, particularly for people at higher risk of preterm birth, hypertension, or other pregnancy complications.

Participants will wear a smart ring, track their blood pressure and weight, complete surveys, and answer brief daily questions throughout pregnancy and for six weeks postpartum. The study is entirely remote.

If you’re pregnant, especially if your pregnancy is considered high-risk, and interested in contributing to important research, sign up today!

• Participants will be compensated up to $400 throughout the study or receive free devices for tracking wellness for participating in this study. Compensation will only be provided to eligible participants who complete the study procedures.
• Use a smart ring to get personalized insights into your sleep quality, daily readiness, activity levels, and other biometrics to optimize your overall well-being.
• Receive a summarized report of your metrics and insights.
• Participants may help develop improved planning for labor and delivery, especially for at-risk populations.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

• Pregnant people aged 18-55
• Must be between 9 and 14 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment
• Must be willing to wear a ring continuously throughout the study period
• Must have had an ultrasound confirming pregnancy
• Must be willing and able to participate in the study and complete all required procedures.
• Must have a history of spontaneous preterm birth, OR second-trimester cerclage, short cervix (<2.5 cm), OR currently smoke cigarettes, OR have a BMI under 18.5 kg/m², OR have a history of an eating disorder, OR a family history of spontaneous preterm birth, OR reside in a rural area.
• Must be able to participate over the course of the pregnancy and for six weeks after delivery

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants must complete informed consent and enrollment, including being fitted for the smart ring.
• Participants must answer surveys and periodic questions during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Participants may opt-in for a short interview with the researchers.

University of Arizona Department of Physiology
Ranked among the top physiology programs in the region, the Department of Physiology at the University of Arizona is a hub for excellence in education, research, and innovation. Dedicated to advancing the understanding of human biological function, the department prepares future scientists and healthcare professionals through rigorous academic programs and hands-on research opportunities. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and groundbreaking discoveries, the Department of Physiology is shaping the future of biomedical science and improving health outcomes worldwide.