Author Date

2025-06-13

Degree Name

Department

Mechanical Engineering

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering

Defense Date

2025-05-16

Publication Date

2025-06-13

First Faculty Advisor

Anton Bowden

First Faculty Reader

David Fullwood

Honors Coordinator

Briam Jensen

Keywords

Fetal movement monitoring, Wearable medical device, Nanocomposite sensors, Pregnancy health technology, Engineering design validation, Biomedical sensor development

Abstract

Fetal movement monitoring is an important indicator of fetal health, but

current methods often rely on subjective self-reporting or medical equipment that

may not be universally available. The research described in this thesis describes

the design, manufacture, and engineering validation of a wearable fetal activity

monitor based on nanocomposite wide-range strain gauge technology. Embedded

in a wearable maternity band garment, the technology is designed to discreetly

record fetal movements with the eventual goal of providing real-time information

that can assist pregnant women and medical professionals in monitoring patterns

of fetal activity.

The scope of the described research focuses on the design of the maternity

band, the strategic placement and attachment of the sensors, and the testing of

sensor responsiveness to controlled levels of strain applied at various points.

Testing was conducted using a physical model that simulated the geometry of a

pregnant abdomen, while facilitating objective application of displacement-

controlled surface deformations at predetermined locations representative of

typical fetal “kicks” with the goal of an engineering validation of sensor

performance.

The final design features a two-piece maternity band system composed of

adjustable side straps with Velcro closures for a secure and customizable fit. The

back portion of the band includes flexible support inserts to maintain structural

integrity and ensure consistent positioning during use. The front belly section is

detachable and houses the integrated piezoresistive nanocomposite sensors, which

are strategically positioned to capture abdominal surface deformations. Results of

the surface deformation study demonstrated that the sensors successfully detected

and differentiated varying levels of simulated fetal movements, specifically, poke

depths of 0.5 cm, 1 cm, and 3 cm, at multiple abdominal locations. Based on these

results, the wearable sensor technology has demonstrated feasibility from an

engineering validation standpoint and is ready to progress to the next phase of

development, which will include measurement of actual fetal kicks in human

subjects.