Pregnancy apps growing in popularity

There are apps for maps, apps for menus and now, apps that deliver details on pregnancy.

Like many new moms-to-be, Tricia Huffman consults with girlfriends who’ve been there.

“The day that I found out I was pregnant, right away they were like ‘download this app’, so I’ve actually have been using actually apps since the moment I found out I was pregnant,” she said.

Just a few years ago, pregnancy apps were not even an option. Now, they are incredibly popular, according to Dr. Nathaniel Denicola with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“The last estimate was a few months ago, it was that there was about 1800 obgyn apps, just obgyn,” he said.

“From apps that track ovulation to apps that track contractions, apps that tell you the best route to the hospital, apps that help you journal, it is wonderfully overwhelming,” said Natalie Diaz, author of “What to Do When You’re Having Two.”

Diaz believes the apps offer a new kind of convenience.

“Instead of having to ask an embarrassing question about like hemorrhoids or incontinence to your best friend, while I’m laying in bed, I can get the answers to those things during my pregnancy right away from my tablet or smart phone,” she explained.

The options are endless. “Full Term” tracks contractions and lets you upload and send them to your doctor. “My Pregnancy Today” gives you day-to-day updates on what is happening with your body and the baby. “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” offers tidbits, tips and tricks similar to what you would find in the best-selling book.

“What to eat or exercises or concerns you might have, all sorts of things– and it even gives you a weekly tip for dad,” said Diaz.

“Baby Bump” provides a community forum where you can connect with other expectants. Then there is the “Web MD” pregnancy app.

“From, you know, a tracking feature, to a journal feature, to a what’s happening this week feature, to a community feature,” Diaz said.

But both of our experts stress you should always use your phone to call the doctor instead of turning to an app when dealing with any medical concerns.

“These app developers and these app services, in some cases, really are providing medical advice, certainly it’s some in the realm of medical counseling…and there are no, there’s not much oversight on it,” said Dr. Denicola.

Our mom-to-be, Tricia, says consulting the apps leaves her feeling more informed and much less stressed.

“They probably make for a happier, healthier, more relaxed pregnancy,” she suggested.

Most of these apps are not approved or sponsored by medical professionals. Dr. Dinicola suggests relying on apps with medical partnerships over others. He also says there are text-based apps that deliver info via text to you each day.