Our first Science of Birth Shark Tank session featured Dr. Dominique Mylod, an early career researcher presenting an early-stage digital health innovation designed to support pregnant people during early labour.
The project explored a concept for an early-labour support app that could help pregnant people and their support persons interpret early labour sensations and decide what to do next. Early labour can be a time of uncertainty and anxiety, and advice from providers or care settings is not always consistent. The proposed app aims to provide clear, evidence-based guidance to help families understand what they are experiencing, when to stay home, and when to seek care. By improving information and confidence at this stage, the tool could potentially reduce unnecessary early admissions while supporting safety and reassurance for families.
During the pitch, Dr. Mylod outlined a proposed study to evaluate whether the app improves users’ confidence and experience, reduces unnecessary early admissions, and can be integrated into routine maternity care. She asked the sharks for feedback on whether the study design was realistic and fundable, how outcomes should be framed, and what potential risks or blind spots might need attention.
The discussion that followed provided constructive suggestions to strengthen the project. Sharks explored possible study designs, encouraged the presenter to focus on outcomes that matter most to families and health services, and highlighted the importance of equity and accessibility such as considering users with low literacy, limited data access, or different language and cultural contexts.
The group also discussed app vs. mobile browser, regulatory considerations and offered practical grant-writing advice, including how to make claims more specific and evidence-based.
After the session, Dr. Mylod reported that the feedback helped clarify and reorganize the proposal and contributed to strengthening a subsequent grant application.
As the Dr. Mylod later reflected: “I would encourage anybody who’s got the opportunity to be brave and jump in the Shark Tank. You won’t regret it.”
View Dr. Mylod's slide deck here.