EAGER: A Novel Research Tool for Holistic Stress Monitoring in Maternal and Fetal Health

Chronic stress during pregnancy is a serious and often underestimated threat to maternal and fetal
health, linked to complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Unfortunately,
current methods for monitoring stress in pregnant women are inadequate: questionnaires provide only
subjective, infrequent data, lab tests are invasive and sporadic, and existing wearable devices capture only
general physiological signals that are easily confounded by other factors. This project aims to fill that gap
by creating a novel wearable tool for comprehensive stress monitoring. The device will continuously track
both physiological stress indicators (e.g., heart rate variability) and molecular stress biomarkers (e.g.,
hormones and inflammatory markers) in real time. By enabling early and accurate detection of harmful
stress levels, this project’s goal will allow timely interventions to protect maternal and fetal health. In doing
so, it aligns with NSF’s mission by promoting scientific progress, advancing national health and welfare,
and fostering interdisciplinary training.

The project main objective is to develop an innovative wearable research platform that integrates
novel molecular sensors with physiological sensors to enable comprehensive stress assessment during
pregnancy. The team will create new electrically regenerable molecular sensors that can repeatedly detect
multiple key stress biomarkers (e.g., cortisol and inflammatory cytokines) in interstitial fluid. These sensors
will be embedded into a flexible wristband alongside modules for monitoring physiological signals like heart
rate variability and skin conductance. The integrated device will simultaneously and noninvasively measure
molecular and physical indicators of stress in real time. Finally, the platform will be tested on human subjects
under controlled stress conditions to validate its accuracy and reliability. This interdisciplinary work will
demonstrate a transformative wearable sensing paradigm, laying the groundwork for future continuous
stress monitoring.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Award Number: 2538997
Principal Investigator: Rahim Esfandyarpour
Funds Obligated: $99,538
State: CA