Research Centre
Communication and Computing Research Centre

Date
2011

Using Mobile Technology in Tackling Maternal Obesity (MOMtech)

MOMtech is one of the 23 research projects supported by Engineering for Life (EFL) at Sheffield Hallam University. Andy is one of the lead researchers on this project which has been 'adopted' by UCHD.

Obesity in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of death for both the mother and newborn child. This increased chance of complication has a negative impact on the women's experience as well as being a burden on the NHS.

Project aims

This feasibility study aims to identify factors that should be considered in designing a platform for bespoke self management mentoring and support to help women with obesity in pregnancy.

Through the use of mobile technology MOMtech aims to help obese pregnant women develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. At their regular clinic, midwives will encourage the women to take part in a range of activities. The mobile technology system under development will be used to send reminders and motivational messages to the women, offering further support with the aim of increasing participation in the activities. Download the MOMtech_poster which was presented at the EFL Conference in January 2011 and gives an overview of the early stages of the project.

Mobile technologies such as text messaging have been shown to be successful in other areas of health promotion such as improving diet, giving up smoking and managing diabetes. This has not previously been looked at in relation to the pregnant population.

Researchers involved

Dr Kerry McSeveny - Researcher & Associate Lecturer

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