Systems, Devices, and Methods for Tracking Abdominal Orientation and Activity

Abstract

The various embodiments herein relate to systems, devices, and methods for tracking abdominal orientation and activity for purposes of preventing or treating conditions of pregnancy or other types of medical conditions. In certain specific embodiments, the system, device, or method relates to identifying abdominal orientation risk values, calculating and updating a cumulative risk value, comparing the cumulative risk value to a threshold, and outputting a warning when the cumulative risk value crosses the threshold.

1 . A device for reducing risks associated with pregnancy in a subject, the device comprising:
 a. a sensor configured to generate orientation data;   b. a support configured to couple the sensor to the torso of the subject such that the orientation data is indicative of an orientation of the torso or abdomen; and   c. a processor coupled to the sensor so as to receive the orientation data, the processor having an output for transmitting at least one alert in response to the orientation data such that at least one risk associated with pregnancy is mitigated.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive disposed between the body of the subject and a side of the device. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one alert is customizable. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the processor is configured to track a time spent in a given orientation before issuing the alert, and the time spent can be customized. 
     
     
         5 . The device in  claim 3 , wherein vibrational intensity is customizable. 
     
     
         6 . The device in  claim 3 , wherein vibration duration is customizable. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is constructed and arranged to be placed on the chest of the subject. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to calculate a time series of values in response to the data and a cumulative risk value in response to the values. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a system configured to monitor depression and/or stress of the user. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor in operational communication with the processor and configured to generate sleep data, wherein the processor uses the sleep data with the orientation data to determine when the alert should be transmitted. 
     
     
         10 . 1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the processor is configured to calculate a time series of sleep values in response to the sleep data and a cumulative sleep risk value in response to the sleep values, the processor having an output for transmitting a warning in response to the sleep risk value such that sleep disordered breathing risk is mitigated. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the alert is a customizable vibrational or audible alert generated by the device or a mobile device. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the alert occurs in a mobile application or as an email or text message transmitted to a user. 
     
     
         14 . A device for reducing at least one pregnancy risk in a subject, the device comprising:
 a. a sensor configured to generate maternal orientation data; and   b. a processor coupled to the sensor so as to receive the orientation data, the processor having an output for transmitting a warning in response to the orientation data such that the at least one pregnancy risk is mitigated,   wherein the orientation data comprises a recline angle (pitch) and a sideways tilt angle (roll) and wherein the orientation data are a function of the recline angle and the sideways tilt angle.   
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , further comprising a sensor configured to generate maternal supine position data. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the processor is configured to calculate a time series of supine risk values in response to the supine position data and a cumulative risk value in response to the supine risk values. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the device is constructed and arranged to adhere to the chest of the subject. 
     
     
         18 . A device for inhibiting sleep disorders in a subject, the device comprising:
 a. a sensor configured to generate orientation data;   b. an adhesive configured to couple the sensor to the torso or abdomen of the subject such that the orientation data is indicative of an orientation of the torso or abdomen; and   c. a processor coupled to the sensor so as to receive the orientation data, the processor having an output for transmitting a warning in response to the orientation data such that at least one sleep disorder risk is mitigated.   
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the sleep disorder risk is selected from the group consisting of: snoring, sleep apnea, and maternal supine sleep. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the device is intended to reduce the risk of one or more of the following: preeclampsia, hypertension, preterm birth, premature birth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), gestational diabetes, stillbirth and small for gestational age (SGA).