In the hectic environment of labour and delivery, every heartbeat counts, which is why the study of hemodynamics is essential. Simply put, hemodynamics is the study of how blood moves through the body–and it is crucial to understanding how the cardiovascular system responds to changes. For mothers and newborns, this understanding is not just academic; it can be lifesaving.
Pregnancy and childbirth exert unique and rapid stresses on a mother’s heart and circulation. Monitoring these changes is vital for early detection of conditions such as preeclampsia, hemorrhage, and cardiac issues. For newborns, especially those born prematurely, unstable blood flow can lead to life-threatening problems like oxygen deprivation or organ failure.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 295,000 women die annually from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, many of which are preventable with timely intervention.1 With advanced monitoring, clinicians can detect changes in blood flow and pressure early, before they develop into concerning symptoms.
Innovation in Action: BD HemoSphere and Acumen Technologies
Until recently, monitoring often meant using a standard blood pressure cuff at set intervals, but these snapshots can miss sudden changes. BD HemoSphere Monitor with Acumen™ technology changes that by providing a continuous, beat-by-beat picture of a patient’s health.
In a 2018 randomized-controlled study published in the Journal of Anesthesia, continuous monitoring with the ClearSight™ system (an earlier version of BD Acumen™ technology) reduced maternal hypotension to 0%, compared to 45% in patients monitored with standard intermittent cuff checks.2 This dramatic improvement demonstrates the value of real-time data in preventing life-threatening risks and complications.
Managing Postpartum Hemorrhage with BD’s HemoSphere and Acumen
Take the issue of postpartum hemorrhage, for example - the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. A woman may appear stable one minute, then rapidly lose blood the next. With only periodic cuff checks, early warning signs are often missed.
Using BD HemoSphere with the Acumen IQ cuff, clinicians can see blood pressure changes as they happen, track heart function in real time, and even receive alerts that predict a dangerous drop. This early insight allows care teams to act efficiently, reduce complications, and save lives.
This is just one example that illustrates how BD advanced monitoring technologies can transform maternal care. By enabling early, data-driven decisions in emergencies like postpartum hemorrhage, these innovations help healthcare providers act in moments where every second counts.
A Future of Health Equity
Making these technologies available everywhere is more than an upgrade - it’s a step toward health equity. Every woman and every newborn deserve the same high standard of care, no matter where they live. By enabling early detection and personalized care, these tools help ensure this can happen.
BD’s commitment to maternal health extends beyond innovation. Through global partnerships, including with UNICEF, BD has contributed over $10.8 million in donations and 55 million auto-disable syringes to combat maternal and neonatal tetanus. These efforts reflect a broader mission: to make life-saving technologies and care accessible to every patient, everywhere.3
As we continue to advance maternal care, technologies like BD HemoSphere and Acumen are paving the way for safer births and healthier outcomes. By combining predictive insights with real-time monitoring, clinicians are empowered to act more quickly and effectively, ensuring that every expectant mother receives the care that they deserve.
BD remains deeply committed to this mission, driving innovation and equity in patient care. Every life deserves the best start possible, and it only takes a heartbeat for everything to change.