[Significance of the site of uterine contraction for labor progress and duration of pregnancy].

A four-channel topographic technique was developed in order to improve information about spatial uterine motility. 54 women were monitored during delivery. Four pressure transducers were attached in a square around the umbilicus. Most frequently the origin of labour could be determined in the upper right segment of the uterus. The rate of operative deliveries was decreased in case of predominant upper right origin of labour. The majority of contractions with clear propagation patterns originated at the upper right site, continued to the left and then to the lower right part of the uterus. The highest relative intensity was also measured at the upper right site. Predominant upper right origin of labour may be important for undisturbed delivery. The probability of a preterm delivery is increased in case of an upper right origin of labour.