Researchers at Stanford Medicine, the University of California San Diego and Oxford University developed a wearable ultrasound patch to monitor high-risk pregnancies. Stanford University shares the details of their research and development.

The ultrasound patch is a flexible adhesive sticker, about the size of the palm of a hand, that adheres to the abdomen. It is connected by a cable to a computer that interprets ultrasound data. The researchers think the patch will initially be used for pregnant women who are hospitalized, but they hope eventually to have a wireless version that enables doctors to monitor patients at home.