Investigation of relationships between birthing positions and pelvic floor muscles by using an ultrasound imaging system

Abstract

Delaying of progress of labor have been occur due to the lack of basic mother’s physical strength in Japan. The delay could be the risk of affecting the prognosis of the mother and fetal. In addition, that could cause 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. Thus, it is required that verifying study about 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. Then, some indexes were calculated for assessment of state of the pelvic floor muscles. 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.