When many people picture midwifery, they imagine calm voices, steady hands, and timeless traditions of care. Yet increasingly, midwives in Australia are also reaching for tablets, apps, and digital monitoring tools alongside their stethoscopes. Technology is reshaping the way midwives support women and families through pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period. The challenge — and opportunity — lies in ensuring these innovations enhance, rather than replace, the human connection at the heart of midwifery.

Telehealth and Virtual Antenatal Care

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth across all health disciplines, and midwifery was no exception. Virtual antenatal appointments are now a routine part of care, especially for women in rural and remote areas. They allow midwives to check in on blood pressure logs, discuss symptoms, and provide reassurance without the need for long-distance travel.

Australian studies have shown that telehealth-integrated antenatal models can maintain safety and achieve outcomes comparable to conventional in-person care. A Monash Health evaluation, for example, found no increase in adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes when telehealth was added to routine antenatal service. However, midwives and clinic staff consistently emphasise that telehealth works best as a supplement — not a substitute — for face-to-face care, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities where cultural safety and trust are centra. Subtle cues like body language, or opportunities for a gentle touch on the shoulder, are harder to replicate on a screen.

Apps, Wearables and Digital Records

Pregnancy apps and wearable devices have exploded in popularity. Many women now arrive at their appointments with smartphone data on sleep patterns, fetal movements, or blood glucose levels. When used appropriately, these tools can empower expectant parents and help midwives track trends between visits.

Electronic maternity records are also becoming standard in hospitals and community health services, reducing duplication and miscommunication. In some cases, new digital platforms allow women themselves to contribute to their care records. For example, the MoTHer GDM platform, co-developed by CSIRO and Redland Hospital in Queensland, enables women with gestational diabetes to log blood glucose, weight, diet, and symptoms via an app, which clinicians can then view in real time through a secure portal. Early trials have shown the system can improve communication and help midwives and other clinicians intervene earlier when needed.

That said, these tools can also create anxiety—often prompting midwives to act as myth-busters, guiding families toward trusted, evidence-based interpretations.

Digital Fetal Monitoring and AI Tools

Continuous fetal monitoring using CTG (cardiotocography) is common in high-risk labour; however, wireless wearable sensors now offer real-time monitoring without tethering women to a bed. The added mobility can enhance comfort and labour outcomes.

Artificial intelligence is entering the scene too—some emerging tools promise to detect fetal distress earlier than human observation. Despite their potential, many midwives remain cautious, concerned about unnecessary interventions triggered by false alarms. As one Sydney-based midwife remarked, “A machine can’t replace years of clinical intuition or the ability to read the room.”

Social Media and Peer Support

Digital technology’s impact extends beyond clinical innovation—it also shapes emotional support. Many expectant parents turn to social media, forums, and podcasts for advice. While these platforms offer community and reassurance, they also harbour misinformation.

To counter this, some midwives have created professional social media channels to share evidence-based content. While beneficial in building trust, this approach requires careful navigation of professional boundaries.

Keeping the Human Connection at the Core

Technology must serve as a bridge, not a barrier, in midwifery. While digital tools can enhance access, streamline records, and support monitoring, they can never match the empathy, reassurance, and advocacy that define midwifery.

Moving forward, training will be crucial—not just in using technology, but in helping families navigate an increasingly data-rich world. And above all, midwives must reserve space for empathic presence, whether through a gentle touch, a reassuring tone, or simply being there.

The future of midwifery in Australia will likely be a blend of tradition and innovation. By embracing technology with a critical and compassionate lens, midwives can ensure that digital tools enrich care—without compromising the human connection at the center of every birth journey.