There’s no doubt about it: technologically and medically speaking, the world we live in today is leaps and bounds ahead of where civilization was two or three hundred years ago. Heck, it’s even better than it was ten to twenty years ago.
Modern technology is on our side, and it’s made for not only better peace of mind for soon-to-be and new parents, but has probably even inspired a few “oohs” and “ahhs.”
Today we’re rounding up some super technologically advanced gadgets that make pregnancy easier and, we’ll say it, way cooler, than it was in years past.
6. Ovatemp / ONDO Personalized Fertility Tracker
A blue-tooth enabled fertility tracker that sends data to your smartphone? You betcha. Here’s how it works: you insert the ONDO basal thermometer under your tongue in the morning and that information is automatically sent to the Ovatemp app on your phone.
From there, you input information about your cervical fluid, period and symptoms, and the app will tell you whether you’re fertile or not fertile. The idea is that it helps you become more aware of your cycle, which thereby allows you to become pregnant more efficiently.
Cost: $80
5. USB Pregnancy Test
Speaking of trying to get pregnant… you’ll definitely need to stock up on pregnancy tests. Or do you really need to do that? Maybe not. Instead of buying a stack of tests, opt for a digital pregnancy test that’s also a, wait for it, USB device.
It works like any other pregnancy test. Pee on the absorbent test strip at the end of the device. However, once you’ve peed, you remove the cap from the USB connector on the other end and plug it into your computer. “The power from your USB port starts the electrospray ionization process, creating a spectrograph of the various masses for your analysis,” explains ThinkGeek.
The device comes with 20 test strips, boasts 99% accuracy, and can detect 5-50mIU/mL of hCG (human Chorionic Gonadtropic) versus the 15-50mIU/mL of a regular home test. Bonus: “The LCD display on the device itself will light up and show you the symbol of a baby, no baby, or multiples and your Estimated Delivery Date based on the concentration of hCG, hCG-H, and LH in your urine.”
Cost: 17.99
4. Fetal Doppler / Heart Rate Monitor
Let’s say you’re in between visits with your OBGYN. That urge to listen to your baby’s heartbeat — to feel closer to your growing child — can be intense. Thanks to modern day technology, though, you don’t have to wait until your next appointment to get a listen.
This portable fetal doppler meets heart rate monitor allows you to listen to your child’s heart rate for about 10 to 12 weeks through your labor. It also features an audio speaker that allows you to clearly hear that adorable thump thump.
Cost: $75
3. KegelSmart Exerciser
We’re sure you’re already familiar with the Kegel muscle and, therefore, Kegel exercises. If not, we’ll give you a brief explanation. The Kegel muscle is located on the pelvic floor aka within your vagina.
When you exercise this muscle, not only do you gain better control over it during sex, but it helps to maintain vaginal tightness and prevent pelvic floor disorders.
Childbirth can loosen these muscles, but exercising can help re-tighten. The question is, how do you know if you’re actually making improvements or even doing the right exercises? That’s where the FDA cleared KegelSmart device comes into play.
Once inserted in the vagina, it will register your pelvic strength as you do your exercises. It will also automatically adjust to fit your needs and coaches you through the Kegel exercise routines with vibrations.
Cost: $99.95
2. iPotty with Activity Seat for iPad
Teaching your child how to use the potty isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world. However, you can make it less stressful for you — and more fun for them — with a little help from the iPotty Activity Seat. Yes, there’s a toy called “iPotty.”
It’s essentially a training toilet that comes with an adjustable stand that mounts an iPad or tablet. While your training kid plays, she can also use the potty.
We’re not sure if we consider this one completely genius or just too much… but either way, it’s certainly one of those inventions that makes you say, “Whoa, we are definitely living in the 21st century.”
Cost: $35
1. Zoli BUZZ B Nail Trimmer
Trimming your baby’s nails, which never seem to stop moving, can be a daunting task. There’s always the worry that you’re going to hurt your baby, which can deter you from actually clipping.
If you don’t, though, baby’s nails get too long and he can hurt himself. Solution: a device that simplifies the process.
The BUZZ B nail trimmer uses a “gentle, yet effective oscillating action” to trim your baby’s nails. It also comes with “four cushioned pads, each designed for a different stage of your baby’s growth.”
Cost: $35