ABSTRACT. In this article, I cumulate previous research findings indicating that fertility, pregnancy, and menstrual cycle tracking apps configure the digital fabric of reproductive technologies. I contribute to the literature on female reproductive health apps and supportive fertility technologies by showing that fertility awareness-based mobile apps can predict ovulation and optimize the conception chance. Throughout June 2021, I performed a quantitative literature review of the Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases, with search terms including “period and fertility tracking apps,” “female reproductive health apps,” “menstrual cycle tracking apps,” and “fertility awareness-based mobile apps.” As I inspected research published in 2019 and 2021, only 188 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria. By eliminating controversial findings, outcomes unsubstantiated by replication, too imprecise material, or having similar titles, I decided upon 21, generally empirical, sources. Subsequent analyses should develop on the advancement of smartphone apps designed for female reproductive health. Future research should thus investigate the relationship between female-specific health data, digital tools, and self-monitoring and self-tracking connected health devices. Attention should be directed to period and fertility tracking apps as devices that assist health monitoring.

Keywords: fertility; pregnancy; menstrual; tracking app; reproductive technology

How to cite: Bailey, L. (2021). “The Digital Fabric of Reproductive Technologies: Fertility, Pregnancy, and Menstrual Cycle Tracking Apps,” Journal of Research in Gender Studies 11(2): 126–138. doi: 10.22381/JRGS11220219.

Received 22 July 2021 • Received in revised form 23 December 2021
Accepted 26 December 2021 • Available online 30 December 2021