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

What the report says

BBC News reports that some women are interpreting data from fitness trackers as possible early signs of pregnancy before a missed period or positive test. The story focuses on Ravika, a 34-year-old solicitor from the West Midlands, whose Oura ring showed a lower health score while she was on holiday for her birthday. The device recorded higher heart rate and temperature, along with reduced heart rate variability, even though she felt well. After finding online discussions by women with similar experiences, she later took a pregnancy test that was positive.

The BBC says Ravika’s use of the data became distressing after she experienced cramping and received another alert suggesting significant strain. While waiting for medical follow-up, she repeatedly checked whether her temperature and other readings remained consistent. The report also features Sofia, 32, who said she noticed changes in her Oura data during two pregnancies that ended in miscarriage and again before a later pregnancy that resulted in the birth of her son.

The article explains that body temperature can remain elevated in early pregnancy, and wearables capable of measuring temperature may detect such changes. Fitness trackers, including smart rings and watches, have become more common in the UK; BBC cites YouGov research saying 36% of British adults owned and used one in January 2026. Oura is described as a leading company in the smart ring market.

Medical experts quoted by the BBC urged caution. Dr Stuart Lavery of University College Hospital said more research is needed on reliability and warned that reliance on such data can intensify anxiety. Oura’s Dr Chris Curry said the ring is intended as a support tool, not a substitute for clinical care, and that users who feel overwhelmed can step back from the app.