GB2288023A - Device for indicating muscular effort during labour - Google Patents
Device for indicating muscular effort during labour Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2288023A GB2288023A GB9406124A GB9406124A GB2288023A GB 2288023 A GB2288023 A GB 2288023A GB 9406124 A GB9406124 A GB 9406124A GB 9406124 A GB9406124 A GB 9406124A GB 2288023 A GB2288023 A GB 2288023A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- output
- mother
- indicating
- pressure
- during labour
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000003387 muscular Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 210000004392 genitalia Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000063 preceeding effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000003679 cervix uteri Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000035606 childbirth Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000002747 voluntary effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/03—Measuring fluid pressure within the body other than blood pressure, e.g. cerebral pressure ; Measuring pressure in body tissues or organs
- A61B5/033—Uterine pressure
- A61B5/035—Intra-uterine probes therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
- A61B17/42—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/06—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/064—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A device for indicating muscular effort during labour comprises a pressure sensor 1 for positioning in the genital region of a mother so as to sense a level of muscular effort by the mother, and an output device 5 for providing a representation of the sensed level. The sensor may be a fluid filled bulb 1 connected by a tube 2 to a differential pressure transducer 3. The output may be a visual display, a variable pitch tone, or synthesised speech. <IMAGE>
Description
INDICATING DEVICE
This invention relates to an indicating device for use during labour, i.e. childbirth.
During labour a second stage which leads to the delivery of a baby is supplemented and accelerated by means of voluntary muscular efforts on the part of the mother.
During this stage the mother is encouraged to "push", but it is difficult for her to know which muscles should be used and what effect they are having. This is particularly true if the mother is inexperienced, primigravida, or if the muscular feeling has been reduced by the effect of drugs, e.g. an epidural.
In accordance with the present invention, an indicating device for use during labour comprises sensing means for positioning in a genital region of a mother so as to sense a level of muscular effort by the mother during labour; and an output device connected to the sensing means for outputting a representation of the sensed level.
The device of the present invention provides an external indicator for the mother by which she can learn quickly how to control her efforts to produce the greatest effect. In this way, the length of second stage labour can be significantly reduced, thereby lessening the risk of medical complications for mother and baby as well as reducing the cost of medical care.
Preferably, the sensing means comprise a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure exerted and a pressure transducer for converting a sensed pressure to an electrical signal to drive the output device.
The output device provides an indication of a level of muscular effort on the part of the mother as a function of the pressure sensed.
Typically, the pressure sensor comprises a fluid filled flexible bulb.
Preferably, the flexible bulb is formed from rubber or plastics material. These have the benefits that they can be sterilised during manufacture and are inexpensive enough to be disposed of after use. Other materials with similar properties could equally be used.
Preferably, the output device comprises at least one of an audio or visual output, although both types of output could be provided in one device.
Typically, where the output device comprises an the audio output, the audio output comprises a loudspeaker tone or synthesised speech.
Typically, where the output device comprises a visual output, the visual output comprises one of a liquid crystal and a light emitting diode display.
This provides a good display and is equally suitable for a mains or battery powered device.
Preferably, the indicating device is portable, although in another example, an indicating device according to the invention may be included in a cardiotocograph.
Examples of an indicating device and a method of indicating a level of muscular effort during labour will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of an indicating device in accordance with the present invention; and,
Figure 2 shows the device of figure 1 in position for use.
An example of an indicating device according to the present invention is shown in Figure 1. This device is configured as a standalone unit, but the device can also be included as part of an electrocardiotocograph.
A pressure sensor, in this case an air or liquid filled flexible bulb 1 is connected, by a pressure transmitting tube 2, to a differential pressure transducer 3. Typical characteristics of the bulb are dimensions of 10mum diameter by 40mm long and manufactured from biocompatible flexible rubber or plastic which can be sterilised during manufacture. The length of the pressure transmitting tube is typically up to Im long.
The pressure transducer 3 converts mechanical pressure in the tube into an electrical signal for output and operates in a range of approximately O.OkPa to 1.3 kPa.
The electrical signal produced is output from the pressure transducer 3 via cable 4 to a signal level indicator 5, which typically produces an audio or visual output to indicate to the mother the level of pressure the mother is producing at the sensor which represents the level of productive effort she is achieving.
Figure 2 illustrates the device in use in the mother 6. The sensor 1 is inserted to lie in a region 8 of a presenting part, usually the head 7 of the baby, and the dilated cervix. Alternatively the sensor 1 can be inserted anally. As the mother pushes to assist during labour, the signal resulting from the sensed pressure 1 is output so that the mother can adjust her efforts as necessary. For a visual output the indicator 5 may be an LCD or LED bargraph which increases or decreases in proportion with the pressure exerted on the sensor so providing an indication of the effectiveness of the mothers efforts.
For an audio indicator, the indicator 5 typically includes a loudspeaker and associated circuitry to produce a variable pitch tone or synthesised speech.
Claims (10)
1. Indicating device for use during labour, the device comprising, sensing means for positioning in a genital region of a mother so as to sense a level of muscular effort by the mother during labour and an output device connected to the sensing means for outputting a representation of the sensed level.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sensing means comprise a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure exerted and a pressure transducer for converting the sensed pressure to an electrical signal to drive the output device.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the pressure sensor comprises a fluid filled flexible bulb.
4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the flexible bulb is formed from rubber or plastics material.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the output device comprises at least one of an audio or visual output.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the audio output comprises a loudspeaker tone or synthesised speech.
7. A device according to claim 5, wherein the visual output comprises one of a liquid crystal and a light emitting diode display.
8 A device according to any preceding claim which is portable.
9. A cardiotacograph including an indicating device according to any one of the preceeding claims.
10. An indicating device as hereinbefore described with referece to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9406124A GB2288023B (en) | 1994-03-28 | 1994-03-28 | Indicating device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9406124A GB2288023B (en) | 1994-03-28 | 1994-03-28 | Indicating device |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9406124D0 GB9406124D0 (en) | 1994-05-18 |
| GB2288023A true GB2288023A (en) | 1995-10-04 |
| GB2288023B GB2288023B (en) | 1998-08-19 |
Family
ID=10752643
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9406124A Expired - Fee Related GB2288023B (en) | 1994-03-28 | 1994-03-28 | Indicating device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2288023B (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8684954B1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-04-01 | Plexus Biomedical, Inc. | Labor management devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth |
| US10080520B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2018-09-25 | Stetrix, Inc. | Labor monitoring of pelvic floor |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111759286B (en) * | 2020-07-30 | 2024-03-01 | 宁波市妇女儿童医院 | Real-time perineum pressure monitoring system and method during vaginal delivery |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1436313A (en) * | 1972-09-13 | 1976-05-19 | Nat Res Dev | Method and apparatus for measuring pressure |
| US4476880A (en) * | 1982-12-03 | 1984-10-16 | Giem David A | Apparatus for sensing and indicating vaginal muscle contraction |
| US4722730A (en) * | 1986-02-27 | 1988-02-02 | Michael Reese Hospital And Med. Center | Apparatus for relief of fetal distress during labor |
| US4873986A (en) * | 1987-04-01 | 1989-10-17 | Utah Medical Products | Disposable apparatus for monitoring intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate |
| US4944307A (en) * | 1988-08-22 | 1990-07-31 | The Hon Group | Intrauterine catheter |
-
1994
- 1994-03-28 GB GB9406124A patent/GB2288023B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1436313A (en) * | 1972-09-13 | 1976-05-19 | Nat Res Dev | Method and apparatus for measuring pressure |
| US4476880A (en) * | 1982-12-03 | 1984-10-16 | Giem David A | Apparatus for sensing and indicating vaginal muscle contraction |
| US4722730A (en) * | 1986-02-27 | 1988-02-02 | Michael Reese Hospital And Med. Center | Apparatus for relief of fetal distress during labor |
| US4873986A (en) * | 1987-04-01 | 1989-10-17 | Utah Medical Products | Disposable apparatus for monitoring intrauterine pressure and fetal heart rate |
| US4944307A (en) * | 1988-08-22 | 1990-07-31 | The Hon Group | Intrauterine catheter |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8684954B1 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-04-01 | Plexus Biomedical, Inc. | Labor management devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth |
| US8888719B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-11-18 | Plexus Biomedical, Inc. | Labor management devices for decreasing the incidence of cesarean childbirth |
| US9089301B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2015-07-28 | Stetrix Inc. | Labor management devices providing pelvic floor support |
| US9089300B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2015-07-28 | Stretrix Inc. | Labor management devices for decreasing the incidence of cesarean childbirth |
| US9326721B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-05-03 | Stetrix, Inc. | Labor management devices for pelvic floor support |
| US9993192B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2018-06-12 | Stetrix, Inc. | Labor management methods for decreasing the duration of second stage labor |
| US10080520B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2018-09-25 | Stetrix, Inc. | Labor monitoring of pelvic floor |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9406124D0 (en) | 1994-05-18 |
| GB2288023B (en) | 1998-08-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20000328 |