Investigation of differences in pelvic floor muscles among birthing positions using an ultrasound imaging system

Abstract

Childbirth support is important in Japan, where declining birthrates is one of the social issues. Delaying of progress of labor have been occur due to the lack of basic mother’s physical strength and is the risk of affecting the prognosis of the mother and fetal. In addition, there is a risk of urinary leakage and prolapse of the pelvic organs after childbirth due to the burden on the pelvic floor during childbirth. For smooth delivery avoiding such risks, it is desirable that the pelvic floor muscles located near the fetal delivery exit are as relaxed as possible, even when the mother is exerting abdominal pressure during childbirth. In clinical practice, the baby is generally delivered in a supine position on the delivery table with both legs open. In recent years, various delivery postures have been recommended, and the opportunities for pregnant women to choose their postures are increasing. However, there is no case of scientifically verifying the progress of labor in some posture, especially focus on the relaxed state of the pelvic floor muscles. In addition, it is difficult to confirm the contraction and also to be aware of the contraction by oneself since the pelvic floor muscle is a deep muscle. Therefore, contraction state of the pelvic floor muscles during pushing was evaluated by using of an ultrasound imaging system in this study. Furthermore, the relationship between the delivery posture and the change of state of the pelvic floor muscles was examined by using a statistical analysis method.