Finding the Best Pregnancy App to Support Your Health

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring changes to our bodies, feelings, and life roles that can cause stress and negative feelings. Mobile apps focused on pregnancy can offer a convenient way to access support and resources from anywhere – but not all pregnancy apps are created equal.

With so many apps available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Even the most advanced, evidence-based app may not provide the features you need to feel supported through your pregnancy.  Apps also vary in how carefully they have been tested, and many popular apps may not include behavior change strategies supported by scientific research.

How to Find the Best Pregnancy App for You

Here are 7 tips to help you choose the right pregnancy app to support your mental health and well-being during pregnancy or the post-partum period:

Match the app to your needs

Look for apps with features that align with your current priorities  – whether that's mood tracking, sleep patterns, physical activity, nutrition tips, journaling, or infant feeding logs. Apps that encourage healthy habits, such as setting goals, tracking progress, or giving feedback, can help you stay motivated. Popular apps developed by healthcare organizations, such as Ovia Cycle & Pregnancy Tracker, BabyCenter Pregnancy Tracker & Baby App, Glow Nurture, and Pregnancy +, tend to include more of these supportive features.

Try before you buy

Start with a free or trial version of the app. Take time to explore the app's features. Is it easy to use? Does it have features that match what you’re looking for? If the app asks for credit card info to start the free trial, set a reminder to cancel (or not!) before the trial ends. Also consider what’s included, such as:

• Can you connect with a mental health professional or certified peer coach?
• Does the app provide connections to a community or support group of other pregnant or post-partum users?
• Do any of the desired features require additional payment or in-app purchases to access them?

Pick an app that uses easy-to-understand language

An app should make you feel supported – not overwhelmed by medical terminology. If it uses overly technical terms or feels confusing to use, try another one that feels like a better match for you.

Look for apps informed by real experiences and backed by science

Despite many who are pregnant or postpartum wanting apps to reflect their input, not all do. Check to see whether the app was developed with input from those who are pregnant or recently postpartum. This information is sometimes available on the app’s website or in its description. 

Choose apps backed by experts and evidence

Look for apps developed by a team that includes healthcare professionals or researchers. These apps are more likely to provide accurate, evidence-based information aligned with best practices.

Because not all apps are created by healthcare experts, taking a quick look at who developed the app can help you choose wisely. Some apps may also include features like short educational videos or peer communities, which can be useful. It’s important to confirm that the education provided is grounded in science, not just personal opinion. You can often check who developed the app in the app store description or on the developer’s website. 

Know how your data is protected

Look for clear statements about how your personal data is stored, shared, and protected before you start using an app. Does the app explain its privacy policy in a way that you can understand? Be cautious with reproductive health apps. Many fall short on transparency, and with privacy rules still uncertain, it’s especially important to review how your information will be handled before you start sharing. 

Ask your healthcare team for a recommendation 

Your healthcare team may have apps they recommend – or that they know their other patients have liked. Some apps allow you to track your mood, sleep, nutrition, or physical activity patterns and share this information directly with your healthcare team. Ask your OBGYN, midwife, primary care provider, or other healthcare team members if they're open to reviewing app-based data to help you meet your health goals during this time.

---

More Articles