Pregnant women’s daily patterns of well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland: Longitudinal monitoring through smartwatch technology

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246494
• Publication Date: 2021-02-03T19:02:21Z
• Authors: Hannakaisa Niela-...; Jennifer Auxier; Eeva Ekholm; Fatemeh Sarhaddi; Milad Asgari Mehr...; Aysan Mahmoudzadeh; Iman Azimi; Pasi Liljeberg; Amir M. Rahmani; Anna Axelin
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Smartwatch; Betacoronavirus; Longitudinal Study

Technology enables the continuous monitoring of personal health parameter data during pregnancy regardless disruption normal daily life patterns. Our research group has established a project investigating usefulness an Internet Things-based system and smartwatch technology for women to explore variations in stress, physical activity sleep. The aim this study was examine patterns well-being pregnant before national stay-at-home restrictions related COVID-19 pandemic Finland.A longitudinal cohort design used monitor their everyday settings. Two cohorts were recruited. In first wave January-December 2019, with histories preterm births (gestational weeks 22-36) or late miscarriages 12-21); second between October 2019 March 2020, full-term 37-42) no losses final sample size 38 women. participants continuously Samsung Gear Sport heart rate variability, sleep collected. Subjective reports collected using smartphone application developed study. Data February 12 April 8, 2020 included cover four-week periods restrictions. Hierarchical linear mixed models exploited analyze trends outcome variables.The pandemic-related associated changes variability: standard deviation all inter-beat intervals (p = 0.034), low-frequency power 0.040) low-frequency/high-frequency ratio 0.013) increased compared Women's subjectively evaluated stress levels also significantly. Physical decreased when set as proceeded. total time proceeded, but not Daily rhythms changed that overall started later woke up later.The findings showed Finnish coped well lockdown environment terms