Digital Technologies for Improving Pregnancy Care

Reducing maternal mortality remains a global challenge. Weaknesses in health systems are an important contributor to deaths around the world. Digital technologies could accelerate progress and support maternity services worldwide. Many digital innovations have been developed and implemented in maternity services. These target: the end users themselves (i.e., the pregnant woman and her family) to improve health knowledge and health-seeking behaviors; the primary and secondary care health workers in the community to support decision-making, scheduling, and referrals; and the health system and health management supporting the tracking of births and deaths. This chapter outlines the case for digital health innovations to support pregnancy and maternity services through a series of case studies, considering the potential advantages and challenges of scale-up. While the examples presented are not specific to Muslim populations, they have potential relevance for the challenges faced in Muslim countries worldwide.