The Bellabeat Shell allows mothers to listen and record their child’s heartbeat (via Bellabeat)
There is a host of portable medical devices currently on the market that allow users to monitor and transmit health data remotely to health professionals. Everything from blood pressure monitors to portable MRI devices are continuously hitting the market, however one area is seemingly lagging behind the rest in terms of development- expected mothers. Sure, there are portable ultrasound machines made by several different manufacturers (Mobisante, SonoSite, GE, etc.) but that’s about it, the pinnacle of what’s available for pregnant women. Medical device startup Bellabeat took notice of that open area in desperate need of development and designed a trio of new devices that benefit expected mothers.
Their first device, known as the ‘Shell’, is essentially an ultrasound device that’s outfitted with sensors to monitor a baby’s heartbeat. Actually, it goes beyond that function and allows users to record the heartbeat and share it with others. It connects to a smartphone or tablet (with accompanying app) allowing users to hear in real time how their child is doing. The Shell even has a built in down-facing sound system that lets mothers play music and white noise and track their reactions. If that wasn’t enough, the casing is made of all natural wood coated in non-toxic paint and sealed with layers of protective wax. In short, it won’t have any adverse effects on users unless they are allergic to wood, paint or wax. It’s expected to launch in the US in 2015 at a MSRP of $149 (retail).
The Bellabeat Balance helps users track theirs and their baby’s weight progression (via Bellabeat)
Next in Bellabeat’s mommy-centered lineup is the ‘Balance’, which helps to keep track of both the mothers and child’s weight during and after the pregnancy. No longer is there a need to use two separate scales to verify each. Like the Shell, the Balance sends the weight information to the Bellabeat app via a Bluetooth connection but unlike traditional scales, the numbers are not posted on the device itself.
The highly sensitive scale measures weight in grams so it’s easier to see how much weight the baby is gaining even after pregnancy while holding the child (assuming you aren’t having more than one) in the other’s arms. The Balance casing is similar to the Shell and features natural wood, non-toxic paint and layers of natural wax. The scale is expected to launch in 2015 at a price-point of $129.
Pregnant or not, women love jewelry and Bellabeat’s Leaf is both fashionable and functional (via Bellabeat)
The last in Bellabeat’s device line is their ‘Leaf’, a fashionable piece of ‘smart jewelry’ that can be worn as a pendant, bracelet or broach and is used to track physical activity as well as sleep and stress levels. It functions by monitoring the users breathing (when worn as a brooch) taking into account rapid breaths for increased levels of stress and sends a reminder (via the Bellabeat app) to take a break. The Leaf monitors the user’s physical activity and will vibrate, alerting the user when they have become inactive for long periods of time. It also tracks expecting mother’s nutrition intake via a diary function inside the Bellabeat app. That vibrating alert mentioned above can also be used as an alarm to gently wake the wearer when the appointed time arrives.
Yes, this too has a protective wooden casing slathered with the same baby blue non-toxic paint with a wax coating, however the decorative leaf on the device’s front is made of metal, giving it that ‘fashionable jewelry’ look. The Leaf is expected to hit the market with the others sometime in early 2015 at an MSRP of $199.