Development and Preliminary Laboratory Evaluation of a Prototype Postpartum Fluid-Loss Monitoring Pad with Threshold Detection Capability.

Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the most significant complications encountered during the postpartum period. The aim of this study is to develop a prototype postpartum fluid-loss monitoring device incorporating a threshold-based detection system and to conduct its preliminary laboratory evaluation. This is a methodological study. The prototype developed for postpartum fluid-loss monitoring features a top layer composed of fabric that transmits fluid to the top layer and a bottom layer consisting of a polyethylene film to prevent fluid leakage. The middle section of the pad contains fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymer in amounts designed to absorb up to 300 mL of fluid. The second section of the pad contains fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymer in an amount sufficient to sequester 200 mL of fluid. Hydrophobic strips were placed between the two sections to prevent the transition of fluid to the second section before the first section reaches full capacity. In the second stage of the study, the integrated sensing system was designed to detect when the fluid reached a predefined threshold and automatically send an alert message to designated mobile phones. As a result of this study, a prototype of the postpartum fluid-loss monitoring pad was developed and its preliminary tests were conducted under laboratory conditions. Our results indicate that the system is technically feasible. However, further laboratory and clinical validation studies are required to evaluate its performance and potential clinical applicability for postpartum hemorrhage monitoring. &#xD.