A computerized model of pelvic floor muscles physiology during delivery

Abstract

Vaginal birth may be considered the primum movens leading to an increased risk in developing pelvic floor dysfunctions (e.g. pelvic organs prolapse and urinary incontinence) and chronic pelvic pain. During the second stage of labour, physiological modification, involving activation and stretch on pelvic floor muscles and nerves, may cause damage on pelvic structures. Additionally, knowledge on activation and stretch of pelvic floor muscles may be paramount in improving parturition-related outcomes, thus reducing the length of labour and birth-related trauma on vulvo-vaginal structures. However, owing to the difficulties in addressing these features in vivo, data on this issue are far too clear. In this chapter, computerized models to study the effects of vaginal birth on pelvic floor structures are presented. We displayed current evidence on this new technology, underlying applicability, limitation and further prospective.