My fitness tracker knew I was pregnant before I did - BBC

What the report says

BBC News reports that some women are noticing possible early signs of pregnancy through wearable health data before a missed period or positive test. The article focuses on Ravika, a 34-year-old solicitor from the West Midlands, whose Oura ring recorded a poorer health score while she was on holiday for her birthday. The device showed higher heart rate and body temperature and lower heart rate variability, although she felt well. After finding online discussions from women describing similar patterns, she later took a pregnancy test that was positive.

The BBC says Ravika then developed anxiety about the figures after cramping and a phone notification suggesting her body was under strain. While waiting for medical follow-up, she repeatedly checked the app for signs that her pregnancy remained viable. The report also describes Sofia, 32, who said her Oura data appeared to reflect two pregnancy losses before a later healthy pregnancy, but that the experience made her highly anxious in the early weeks.

The article explains that body temperature can remain elevated in early pregnancy, while it often drops before a period, making temperature-tracking devices of interest to people trying to conceive. BBC cites YouGov research indicating that fitness tracker use in Britain has grown sharply, and notes Oura’s prominent position in the smart ring market.

Medical experts in the report urged caution. Dr Stuart Lavery of University College Hospital said more evidence is needed on reliability and warned that anxiety may rise if users overinterpret wearable data. Oura’s Dr Chris Curry told the BBC the ring is a support tool, not a substitute for medical care, and said users who feel overwhelmed can step back from the app.