IoT-Based Biomedical Monitoring System for Preventive Maternal Healthcare and Early Detection of Obstetric...

Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) is defined as the condition in which a woman survives life-threatening complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period, representing a key indicator of the quality of obstetric care. In Colombia, SMM remains a critical challenge, with recent increases in incidence and risk factors associated with sociodemographic inequalities and limited access to healthcare services. In this context, emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) offer opportunities to strengthen maternal health prevention and remote monitoring. This study proposes the design and development of a biomedical IoT device aimed at the early detection of risks associated with SMM. The system, composed of hardware and software modules interconnected through secure communication protocols, was developed using a hybrid incremental-prototyping approach combined with the agile Scrum methodology, enabling progressive validation and continuous adaptability. The results include a functional prototype at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, capable of recording and transmitting key physiological variables through GSM connectivity and secure networks. This development is expected to have a significant impact in vulnerable regions far from medical centers, where the device can serve as an initial diagnostic and early clinical support tool. Overall, the system represents progress toward more preventive, interconnected, and equitable maternal health environments, strengthening the capacity to respond effectively to obstetric emergencies.