The Coolest Contraction Monitor: Bloom Life
I had just finished my 10th patient of the day, and suddenly there it was again. A strange pressure, and an intense tightening of my pregnant belly. Since being pregnant with twins is a whole new ball game to me, I thought Baby B was doing his usual roll from one side of my stomach to the other. Then ten minutes later it happened once more, and then again about twenty minutes later. I had four more patients to go, and had several more of these episodes as I finished work. It occured to me that these “episodes” were happening more frequently, although at irregular intervals. Yet they were starting to make me nervous, but I was reassured by the fact that later that day I would be seeing my doctor.
I rolled into my appointment per usual, and nonchalantly explained what I had been experiencing throughout my work day to my doctor. My doctor turned to me with a stern face and said, “do you know how far apart these contractions are happening?”
Contractions?? Say What??
The truth is I didn’t know they were contractions, how many I had been having or how far apart they were. I only knew they were happening a few times an hour over the last several days. And just like that I was put on a machine to monitor for contractions and had a really fun ultrasound (and by fun I mean not fun at all) to ensure my cervix wasn’t shortening or opening.
We found that my contractions were irregular, not causing any progression of labor or cervical changes, and if I kept off my feet they would slow down. I felt so funny as nurse, and one time mom already that I didn’t realize these were fake contractions. If I was going through my OB rotation in nursing school I would have definitely failed at this point ( I blame my pregnancy brain, because in nursing school I actually got an A in this rotation)! The doctor sent me home, and told me this time to track any and all contractions so I could report my activity to him at my weekly visit.
As I was leaving I thought to myself that is super simple and I will come back with a full report. Except I would have these contractions taking Willow to school, while driving, when checking out at the grocery store, then forget to capture the time, length, etc. Needless to say my report was not accurate the next time I saw the doctor. That’s when I stumbled upon Bloomlife, a women’s health company focused on improving the health of moms and babies.
Bloomlife created the world’s first clinically validated smart pregnancy tracker that automatically tracks and counts contractions for you sending the data directly to an app on your phone. It is a small sensor that sticks directly to your belly, so you can remain hands free. I actually forgot I was wearing it a few times. As you go about your daily activities, Bloomlife’s automated contraction tracking and timing does all the hard work for you from the comfort of home.
I know what your next question will be already. Is it safe and what is that little sensor pumping into your body?? Well, Bloomlife has been clinically validated for accuracy and safety. The award-winning sensor technology is 100% passive and simply listens and decodes the natural electrical chatter of the muscle without sending any energy into the body. Need I say more?!
My doctor was overly impressed with me during my last visit as I was able to show him my Bloomlife app complete with my contraction pattern bar and contraction stats! It’s simple, safe and accurate!
This device honestly brings comfort to any expecting Mother. Use code ChicMamas20 to receive $20 off your Bloomlife at checkout.
Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka
