Lutheran Health Network | 6.15.2022

To enhance patient safety during labor and delivery, Lutheran Health Network Birthplace teams are now using an artificial intelligence-based maternal-fetal early warning system to quickly identify concerns for faster intervention.

This new technology, called PeriWatch Vigilance, is an important resource to ensure safe deliveries for both mom and baby by continuously monitoring maternal vital signs, fetal heart rate, contractions and labor progression to help clinicians identify any concerning developments.

“The health and well-being of every mom and baby is our priority during every unique delivery,” said Kelli Tuttle, interim perinatal director at Lutheran Hospital. “While most births will happen without issues, there are some inherent risks. This new technology adds another layer of protection throughout the labor process to help our maternity team recognize, prevent and respond to avoidable complications.”

About 4,000 babies are delivered at birthplaces throughout Lutheran Health Network each year, including Bluffton Regional Medical Center, Dukes Memorial, Dupont, Kosciusko Community and Lutheran hospitals. All are all equipped with this new technology in their comfortable, family-centered environments along with compassionate staff to ensure moms and their babies receive the personalized care needed.

“By investing in this technology, Lutheran Health Network is making labor and delivery even safer for mothers and babies,” said Scott Teffeteller, market CEO. “Our physicians and nurses are highly-skilled medical professionals and excellent caregivers who appreciate the use of advanced technology to support their work and keep our patients safe.”

Additionally, Dupont and Lutheran hospitals are certified as Level III Obstetrics facilities by the Indiana Department of Health, with the standards of care required for complex maternal medical conditions and obstetric complications. They also have certified Level III neonatal intensive care units for babies arriving too soon or with complications.

To learn more about Lutheran Health Network’s childbirth services or to find a physician, visit LutheranHealth.net.