Quantitating uterine contractility in clinical context
Seitchik, J.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 57(4): 453-457
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-7844 PMID: 7243093 Accession: 006239164
Objective quantitative on-line analysis of the intrauterine pressure of patients in active labor can be made by using a small bedside computer. A retrospective study has been performed comparing the uterine contractility of patients in normal active labor with that of patients in arrest of labor. Examination of the data suggests that averaging each 3 successive contractions and combining the values for amplitude, period, and Montevideo units into a 3-contraction score provide an efficient and rapid means for differentiating the contractility of normal and hypocontractile labor. Further, the method appears to have the potential for selecting the appropriate minimal effective dose of oxytocin and avoiding hypercontractility.