A device that measures the pulling force and vector of delivering a baby.

OBJECTIVE

I sought to demonstrate a new device that measures the pulling on an infant during a vaginal delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

The Peisner Platform (US Patent 6,684,165; Canadian patent 2,436,154) utilizes Newton's Third Law to measure the force/vector of delivering a baby. Ten patients at term with a singleton fetus in the vertex presentation were recruited for this pilot study. The platform measured the forces/vectors on the fetal head during the delivery. The primary outcomes were the graphs of the force/vector on the fetus and duration of that force.

RESULTS

The pulling force exerted on the fetus ranged from 31.7-135.4 N over 8-51 seconds. Force vectors were often negative early, and positive later.

CONCLUSION

This new device, which measures the pulling force and vector of delivering a baby, has been successfully demonstrated.