“We always say the day a baby is born is probably one of the most dangerous days of its life,” says Sean.
“For the first time, we will have a sensor that will give us the gold standard of monitoring for the baby’s well-being.”
The research team at RNSH: Dr Sean Seeho, Sharon McCracken, Professor Jonathan Morris and Laura Warby
Between March and August 2025, Alexandra was one of 10 Australian mothers – including five at RNSH – who wore the device, which Sean describes as a “revolution” in the delivery of babies. “I’m so excited. I wish I was 10 years younger in my career,” he says. “Instead of having snapshots of what the lactate is, this machine will continuously read it throughout the whole of labour”. Low oxygen levels during birth can lead to cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition caused by brain injury that costs the Australian economy an estimated $15 billion each year. “This device will certainly reduce those cases, because you’ll be able to better monitor those babies,” he says, adding that the device won’t necessarily be used on all women. VitalTrace, a medical-tech company based in Western Australia, has been developing the device
in collaboration with researchers from the University of Western Australia and the University of Sydney for seven years. Professor Jonathan Morris, an Honorary RNSH Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, is the chief medical officer of the company. Plans are now underway for a further trial and a larger feasibility study. “We always say the day a baby is born is probably one of the most dangerous days of its life,” says Sean. “For the first time, we will have a sensor that will give us the gold standard of monitoring for the baby’s well-being.” For Alexandra, participating in the clinical trial was straightforward, particularly as the device was wearable. But more importantly, she was proud to be part of a potential shift in maternity care, which could benefit her daughter. “I feel quite excited for Poppy’s generation, that they will have something that’s much more seamless” she says.
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