IoT Enabled Smart Maternity Vest for Real-Time Maternal Health Monitoring: Design, Development and Validation

Comfort is a critical consideration in clothing design particularly for pregnant women who undergo significant physiological and emotional changes. As the body adapts throughout pregnancy especially from the second trimester onward the need for garments that are soft, flexible and emotionally supportive becomes vital. Traditional maternity wear often focuses on accommodating physical growth but may neglect factors such as ease of use, aesthetic appeal and health monitoring, especially for women in underserved or remote areas. This study presents the design and development of a smart maternity wear system that integrates comfort-focused clothing with wearable health-monitoring technology. The research began with a detailed needs assessment involving 150 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters from two hospitals in Ludhiana, Punjab. Key expectations identified included stretchability, durability, style and interest in garments that support maternal health tracking. Based on these insights, a collection of seven garments including tunics, dresses, and cord sets was developed using breathable fabrics and adjustable silhouettes. Central to this collection is a smart vest and glove system, embedded with wearable sensors such as ECG, pulse, GSR and temperature modules. These garments allow for real-time monitoring of maternal vital signs via IoT-enabled communication with mobile devices. Wear trials conducted with selected participants confirmed the system's functionality, wearability and user acceptability. Participants appreciated the comfort, ease of use, and health empowerment offered by the garments. The integration of non-invasive sensors into daily wear provided a practical, affordable and user-friendly solution for self-monitoring and remote maternal care. This research demonstrates a novel approach to personalized healthcare through smart textiles. It underscores the potential of combining user-centric garment design with embedded technology to improve maternal well-being and enable early intervention when needed.