AI on Apple Watch can predict pregnancy with 92% accuracy

NEWYou now have the ability to listen to articles from a popular tech company!

Imagine if your smartwatch or smartphone could notify you about a potential pregnancy before a traditional test could. A recent study, funded by a well-known tech company, suggests that this is now a possibility.

By utilizing a combination of behavioral and biometric data, researchers were able to train an artificial intelligence model. The outcome? The system accurately predicted pregnancy in 92% of cases. While it is not intended to replace lab tests, it could assist women in recognizing early signs before they are even aware of them.

Insights into Apple’s AI Study

Conducted as part of the Apple Heart and Movement Study, the research gathered over 15 billion data points from more than 162,000 participants using Apple devices. For the pregnancy aspect of the study, the model analyzed data from 430 reported pregnancies and over 25,000 non-pregnant participants. In addition to heart rate and temperature, the AI also assessed movement patterns, sleep habits, and exercise routines.

Additional Health Conditions Detected by AI

Pregnancy was just one of the health conditions identified by the AI model. The researchers also tested the model on other medical issues with impressive results. It accurately predicted diabetes with 82% accuracy, infection with 76% accuracy, and injury with 69% accuracy. These findings suggest that AI-powered wearables may soon be able to do more than just track activity levels and sleep patterns.

Challenges in Women’s Health Tech

Despite the promising results, trust remains a significant obstacle in the field of women’s health technology. Privacy concerns are on the rise, particularly when it comes to sensitive data such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. A recent study by the Federal Trade Commission highlighted growing skepticism, especially regarding apps that collect reproductive health information without clear data practices.

Apple’s Commitment to Women’s Health

Apple has been actively developing tools for reproductive and maternal health. In 2019, the company introduced menstrual cycle tracking to its Health app, followed by a pregnancy tracking feature for the Apple Watch in 2023. While there are no immediate plans to implement the AI findings into a consumer feature, this research offers insights into Apple’s future direction in healthcare innovation.

Key Takeaways

This study demonstrates the potential of smart devices to detect significant health changes proactively. While they cannot replace medical professionals, they could serve as valuable early-warning tools. However, ensuring trust and transparency in data collection will be crucial for the success of such technologies.