Pregnancy tracking apps have become increasingly popular tools for expectant mothers to monitor their health and the development of their unborn child. These apps offer a wide range of features, from tracking symptoms to providing educational resources on pregnancy and childbirth. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at Northeastern University has shed light on some of the shortcomings of these apps and how they can be improved to better serve users.
The study, led by Professor Casper Harteveld, Assistant Research Professor Giovanni Troiano, and Ph.D. student Ghada Alsebayel, focused on analyzing user reviews of popular pregnancy tracking apps to understand the experiences and needs of expectant mothers. The researchers found that while these apps are effective in tracking physical health metrics, they often fall short in addressing emotional and personal aspects of pregnancy.
One of the key findings of the study was that many users expressed frustration over the inability to share their pregnancy progress with friends and family through the app. Additionally, users criticized the apps for assuming that every pregnancy would result in a live birth, neglecting to account for the possibility of other outcomes such as miscarriage or difficult births. This lack of representation and cultural sensitivity in the apps was a common complaint among users.
The researchers also identified unmet needs and areas for improvement in pregnancy tracking apps. Users often used the apps to track personal milestones during pregnancy, such as recording the sound of the fetal heartbeat or sharing photos of their growing baby bump. However, the apps lacked features that would allow for meaningful sharing of this information while maintaining user privacy.
To address these issues, the researchers proposed guidelines for app developers to create more inclusive and sensitive pregnancy tracking apps. By being more mindful of diverse experiences and outcomes, developers can better serve users who may face challenges during pregnancy, such as miscarriage or difficult births. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the overall user experience and ensure that these apps meet the needs of all expectant mothers.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of designing pregnancy tracking apps that go beyond simply tracking physical health metrics. By incorporating features that address emotional and personal aspects of pregnancy, app developers can create more inclusive and supportive tools for expectant mothers. With these improvements, pregnancy tracking apps have the potential to enhance the overall pregnancy experience for users.
