[Proposal of a different interpretation of the physiology of labor useful in more edifying teaching of obstetric psychoprophylaxis courses].

Without underestimating the undeniable benefit which can be achieved from various physical and mental relaxation exercises, the author expresses the conviction that the didactic and cultural aspect of preparative courses during pregnancy by definition improve, to a greater extent than is widely believed, the positive outcome of obstetric psychoprophylaxis. It is therefore opportune that the didactic part of courses should cover a wider and more detailed range than is usually the case, in particular including a more exhaustive and accurate description of the mechanical phenomenon of birth. Without a clear knowledge and awareness of such mechanical aspects, pregnant women will not feel prepared for and in full and rational control of her own labour. Given that a correct knowledge of the physiology of labour inevitably includes aspects which will enrich the pregnant woman's psyche, the author hopes that interest will soon be reawakened in the physiology of labour whose interpretation has for a long time contained a number of basic and unresolved problems. In order to rectify and further our knowledge of the physiology of labour, it is important to be willing to consider other interpretative models which differ from the traditional one. On this subject, the author aims to rediscuss one model in which Pascal's principle is recognised as the decisive cause of the majority of the mechanical phenomena of labour, and which, in addition to providing solutions to many unresolved problems, makes the teaching of preparative courses during pregnancy more edifying in psychological terms.