In a move aimed at strengthening maternal and newborn safety, Baptist Health announced the rollout of a centralized “OB Hub” across its seven delivery hospitals in Arkansas. The system, provided by maternal‑fetal technology firm PeriGen, uses AI‑driven PeriWatch Vigilance software to continuously track a mother’s vital signs, the baby’s heart rate, contractions and labor progression.
How the OB Hub works
Experienced labor‑and‑delivery nurses can view real‑time data from any of the participating sites on secure mobile devices. When a monitored value falls outside preset safety limits, the platform automatically alerts bedside staff and hospital leaders, acting as a “second set of eyes” for clinicians who may be attending to other patients or gathering supplies.
Local impact
Nicki Knowles, director of women’s and children’s services at Baptist Health Medical Center‑Little Rock, called the technology “invaluable” for nurses and doctors during busy shifts or obstetric emergencies. The seven hospitals—located in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Arkadelphia, Conway, El Dorado, Monticello and Stuttgart—collectively care for more than 6,600 babies each year.
Benefits for families
By providing continuous, AI‑enhanced monitoring, the OB Hub aims to catch potential complications early, giving families greater peace of mind that both mother and infant are being closely watched even when staff are attending to other duties. The system also streamlines communication among care teams, reducing response times when urgent attention is needed.
Looking ahead
Baptist Health plans to expand the use of PeriGen’s technology to additional service lines as it continues its commitment to leveraging innovative tools that support Arkansas families and uphold the highest standards of care.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
