Fernanda Bigolin, Ph.D’s Post

Being part of Philips means being rooted in a culture where making an “impact with care” 🌍👈 ❤️  is woven into everything we do. Our commitment to improving maternal healthcare through Pregnancy+ reflects this and has been one of the most fulfilling endeavors in my career. For many expectant mothers, particularly those in underserved areas, the journey to access quality care can be challenging. Within Philips, Maternal Health solutions are an exceptional area because our businesses (Personal Health and Health Systems) truly collaborate to support moms end-to-end & from consumer to patient to mom🤱 . Through tools like the Pregnancy+ app, remote monitoring, and key partnerships, we’re making maternal care more reachable, no matter where mothers are located. This work is not just about technology—it's about our shared mission to create better healthcare outcomes for all. The "Impact with Care" philosophy is part of who we are, guiding us to support communities and improve lives in tangible ways. To that end – I get to collaborate with amazing colleagues such as Jennifer Luo Law, Michael Lemnitzer, Evan Hoffman, Emily Napier, Yue Wu, Lucie Duracher, Hanne Spelt, Jon H., Nathan Hedley, Lauren Chapey, Brenda Kapner, Melanie S., Karin Lannertone, Holly Lenny - one for one passionate about making impact. From addressing the disparities faced by rural and minority mothers to advancing prenatal care, I’m proud to contribute to this ongoing effort. Every step we take reminds me how powerful our collective efforts can be when we put care at the center of healthcare innovation. If you want to know more: https://lnkd.in/e_Ayi7e9 #MaternalHealth #ImpactWithCare #HealthcareInnovation #PregnancyPlus

Adapting to Life Outside the Womb: Preterm Birth Challenges The journey from the womb to the world is a remarkable one, especially for preterm infants. Born before their bodies are fully prepared, these tiny fighters face unique challenges as they adapt to life outside the womb. Life the Womb: Inside the mother's uterus, the placenta provides oxygen and nutrients, and the baby's lungs are filled with fluid. The baby's circulation is also different, with blood bypassing the lungs through special fetal blood vessels. At Birth: When a preterm baby is born, the placenta is no longer there to provide oxygen and nutrients. The baby must start breathing on their own, and their lungs must clear out the fluid. The cardiovascular system undergoes significant changes to support this new way of life. Supporting Preterm Infants: Medical advancements have made it possible to support preterm infants through this critical transition. Technologies like incubators and ventilators help maintain the right temperature and provide necessary oxygen. Specialized care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) ensures that these infants receive the best possible start. Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care: This approach focuses on creating an environment that supports the brain development of preterm infants. It includes practices such as minimizing exposure to bright lights and loud noises, providing gentle touch, and promoting skin-to-skin contact through kangaroo care. These interventions can significantly impact the infant's cognitive and emotional development. The Role of Parents: Parents play a crucial role in their preterm baby's adaptation. Kangaroo care, where parents hold their baby skin-to-skin, can help regulate the baby's temperature, heart rate, and stress levels, and promote bonding. A Bright Future: With the right care and support, preterm infants can grow up healthy and strong. Every small step they take is a victory, and every milestone they reach is a testament to their resilience. Let's celebrate the strength of these little warriors and the incredible medical and neurodevelopmental care that supports them. #PretermBirth #NICU #NewbornCare #NeurodevelopmentalSupport #ParentSupport #NDSC

🌟 Proud Moment 🌟 As a former patient who once had to drive 8 hours round trip for maternal fetal medicine (MFM) care, I'm incredibly proud to be a part of the advancements we're making for future patients! 🧬 🩸 BillionToOne's Unity™ Fetal Antigen NIPT is a transformational step forward, especially in maternity health deserts. This innovative technology is improving access to essential prenatal diagnostics and ensuring better care for expectant mothers everywhere. Read more about our groundbreaking work here: [BillionToOne's Unity Fetal Antigen NIPT Transforms Care in Maternity Health Deserts](https://lnkd.in/gWtm4D7X) #BillionToOne #UnityNIPT #PrenatalCare #HealthcareInnovation #MaternityHealth

The newborn behavioural observations (NBO) system embedded in routine postpartum care in at-risk families in Iceland: a randomised controlled trial The Newborn Behaviour Observation (NBO) System: A Study in Iceland Study Overview The Newborn Behaviour Observation system (NBO) is a helpful tool for parents to understand their newborns better. This study aimed to see how this system affects mothers’ confidence in the first month after giving birth and the quality of interactions between mothers and their infants at four months old. Research Method Women who showed signs of emotional distress during pregnancy were selected for the study. From August 2016 to April 2018, 54 mothers were randomly divided into two groups: Intervention Group (26 women): Received NBO along with regular care during home visits. Control Group (28 women): Received the same regular care but without NBO. Maternal confidence was measured through questionnaires after home visits in weeks 2, 3, and 4. At four months, mother-infant interactions were recorded and analyzed. Key Findings Mothers who received the NBO intervention reported: Higher Confidence: They felt more confident as parents and understood their infants better. Improved Interaction: There was some evidence of better emotional availability in interactions, although the results were not conclusive. Conclusion Early home visits that include the NBO can boost mothers’ confidence and enhance their understanding of their infants. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects on mother-infant interactions. Value in Clinical Practice This study highlights the importance of integrating the NBO system into routine postpartum care for at-risk families. It suggests practical solutions for improving maternal confidence and strengthening the mother-infant bond. Clinical Trials and Innovation Clinical trials are essential for developing safe treatments. To enhance healthcare delivery, tools like DocSym consolidate clinical knowledge and protocols, making it easier for healthcare providers to access necessary information. Streamlining Healthcare Services Our mobile apps help manage patient care efficiently by supporting scheduling, treatment monitoring, and telemedicine. This digital approach improves workflows and patient outcomes while reducing paper use. Learn more about how we can assist at aidevmd.com. https://lnkd.in/gzcTXfsq #ClinicalTrials #AIinHealthcare #MedicalAI #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #PatientCareAI #AIResearch #MedicalInnovation #BioTech #AIforGood #HealthcareData #AIinMedicine #PharmaAI #ClinicalData #HealthAI #AIHealthSolutions #PrecisionMedicine #AIandHealth #ClinicalAnalytics #AIDiagnostics

The tiniest babies—those born too soon—face an invisible enemy threatening their eyesight. This is the reality for many children in Latin America battling Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness if not treated in time. What is ROP? It primarily affects premature babies born before 31 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1,500 grams. In these little ones, the blood vessels in their eyes can develop abnormally, potentially leading to scarring or even detachment of the retina. The result? Permanent blindness. ROP is particularly unpredictable because it often shows no obvious signs in newborns. While parents and doctors focus on the challenges of prematurity, ROP can quietly progress. Each year, up to 20,000 babies may lose their sight to ROP. The stakes are even higher in middle- and low-income countries, where access to comprehensive eye screening programs is still lacking in neonatal care. The good news? ROP is often preventable with early detection and timely intervention. Screening premature babies within 4 to 6 weeks after birth allows healthcare providers to keep a close eye on retinal development and step in when necessary. Treatments like laser therapy, cryotherapy, or specialised injections can effectively halt the growth of abnormal blood vessels, preserving precious eyesight. Since 2019, CBM has been on a mission to enhance ROP care in Guatemala, collaborating with the Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología across 12 hospitals. Through innovative telemedicine initiatives, we ensure that early detection and rapid laser treatment are more accessible than ever. Our commitment extends to training hospital staff and providing online courses in Comprehensive Care of Premature Babies for ROP, all aimed at safeguarding the vision of our smallest patients. Get our annual report at he link in comments to read more about our work #WorldSightDay #LoveYourEyes #LowVision #ChildHealth #Collaboration #Partnership

How Doulas Can Support Obstetricians in Improving Maternal Outcomes The collaboration between obstetricians and doulas has the potential to significantly improve maternal outcomes while enhancing the birthing experience for patients. Doulas, trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during labor, complement the medical expertise of obstetricians by addressing the holistic needs of the birthing person. Research shows that doula support is associated with decreased rates of cesarean births, shorter labor durations, and lower use of medical interventions such as epidurals. By creating a calming presence and offering non-medical pain relief techniques, doulas help reduce stress, which can positively influence labor progression and maternal well-being. From an obstetrician's perspective, having a doula involved can enhance communication between patients and the care team. Doulas are skilled at helping birthing individuals articulate their preferences and understand medical recommendations, fostering a collaborative and informed decision-making process. This dynamic not only supports patient satisfaction but also reduces the likelihood of conflict or miscommunication during critical moments. Moreover, doulas can ease the workload of obstetricians by providing continuous emotional and physical support, allowing the medical team to focus on clinical care. This partnership ensures that patients receive well-rounded, compassionate care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs. By working together, obstetricians and doulas can create a supportive, patient-centered birth environment that leads to healthier outcomes and more empowered birthing experiences. This synergy underscores the value of collaboration in improving maternal care. For more information about my services or to refer your patients for doula services, please visit www.inducedwithcare.com #MaternalHealth #PrenatalCare #CollaborativeCare #LaborAndDelivery #BirthSupportServices #BetterBirthOutcomes #ReducingBirthComplications #DoulaSupport #EmpoweredBirth #HighRiskPregnancy #DoctorsOfLinkedIn #MedicalProfessionals #inducedwithcare

National-level patient-reported perinatal quality metrics in the United States are not specific to labor, childbirth, or inpatient postpartum care. That's a big gap. Listening to diverse patients and following through on their priorities is key to providing respectful, equitable, and supportive healthcare. In response to the interview question, “If we were providing quality healthcare for families, how would we know?”, birthing parents offered insights into how we might meaningfully measure the quality of perinatal care in relation to healthcare practices, patient experiences, and service utilization. They also described the need to have ongoing opportunities to offer feedback within a a robust, universally accessible, and confidential feedback system. Metrics, timing, and process matter. Strengthening opportunities for feedback and ensuring accountability are ways to demonstrate respect, promote patient autonomy, and build trusting relationships through quality care. Creating and communicating assurances of confidentiality, given that patients are aware that they may see the same clinicians in the future, is an important and sobering component of improving services. People can be worried about potential retaliation. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Preventable Tragedy Demanding Tech-Driven Solutions 🩸 The numbers are alarming: postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of preventable maternal death worldwide. Every year, thousands of mothers and babies lose their lives to this devastating complication. But it doesn't have to be this way. Technology is stepping up where traditional care has fallen short. Baymatob's groundbreaking Oli PPH device, recently granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the FDA, is a beacon of hope. Oli PPH uses AI to predict the risk of PPH before it happens, empowering healthcare providers to take proactive measures. This is the kind of innovation we desperately need. A focus on maternal and infant health through technology can: Save Lives: Early PPH detection means timely intervention, preventing tragic outcomes for mothers and babies. Reduce Healthcare Costs: Preventing complications avoids expensive emergency procedures and long-term care. Empower Women: Giving women knowledge about their risk factors allows them to make informed decisions about their care. But Oli PPH is just the beginning. We need more tech solutions targeting every stage of the pregnancy journey: Prenatal Care: Remote monitoring tools for early detection of complications. Labor and Delivery: AI-assisted decision support for healthcare providers. Postpartum Support: Digital platforms offering personalized care plans and access to specialists. Investing in maternal health technology isn't just about innovation – it's about equity, compassion, and ensuring that every mother and baby has the best chance to thrive. Let's keep the momentum going! What other digital health solutions are you excited about in the fight for maternal and infant health? Share your thoughts below! #MaternalHealth #DigitalHealth #AIinHealthcare #PostpartumHemorrhage #InnovationForGood #WomensHealth #Mothers Video source: Baymatob

⚕ Smart Birth Center The purpose of Genejet Biomedical Technology’s "Smart birth center" system is to provide digital maternity care services. The smart birth center system includes “iWard Nursing Dashboard”, “Patient Information Terminal”, which through “Nursing Control Station” to connect the hospital’s database and the real-time input of maternal and fetal health data in the delivery room, then display medical information on all of the system’s screens immediately. Smart birth center work with “iWard＋DR” analysis program that developed by the maternal and fetal health database of Taiwanese Research for Gestational Technology to provide the most immediate fetal health management, maternal health management, and labor management, three artificial intelligence early warning programs for safer maternal and fetal healthcare service. 🎬https://reurl.cc/jW7Q6n   #TechnologySpotlight #Technology #Innovation #QualityHealth

🤰🏽 Should women have the unrestricted right to choose a Caesarean section? The debate surrounding elective caesarean sections often centres around the controversial notion of being “too posh to push”, a pejorative phrase coined nearly 20 years ago to describe maternal request for caesarean section in the absence of clinical indications. 🤰🏼 But what are the facts? Whilst Caesarean sections can be lifesaving in certain situations, they also come with significant medical considerations including surgical risk & longer recovery times. Additionally, babies born via C-section might experience respiratory issues and other complications that are less common with vaginal deliveries. However, in some complicated pregnancies, caesarean sections can significantly reduce the risk of morbidity & mortality in both the mother & baby. This includes scenarios such as placental issues, maternal conditions (e.g. high blood pressure or infection) and foetal distress during labour. In the NHS, there is the concept of parental choice & many women, particularly those having children later in life, are opting to have an elective C-section. 🤰🏻 There is a need for individualised medical assessment and informed decision-making; a one-size-fits-all approach does not serve the best interests of mothers or babies. The “too posh to push” debate raises various questions: 💬 Should women have the unrestricted right to choose a C-section, or should medical guidelines dictate this choice? 💬 How do we balance the risks and benefits of C-section versus vaginal birth in our healthcare practices & ensure women are fully informed? 💬 All births are hard. Having a C-section isn’t necessarily ‘the easy way out’. How can we combat the stigma associated with elective C-section and support women’s choices in childbirth? 👩🏿🍼 As we strive for a healthcare system that respects women's autonomy and prioritises their well-being, these questions are more relevant than ever. What are your thoughts on elective caesareans? ⬇️ #femaleleadership #womenshealth #childbirth