Use of uterine EMG and cervical LIF in monitoring pregnant patients

Objectives Review the uterine electromyography (EMG) and cervical light-induced fluorescence (LIF) devices and their role in the evaluation of uterine and cervical function in comparison with present methods. Design Review of recent studies. Setting University of Texas Medical Branch Labour and Delivery Clinics. Population Various groups of pregnant women. Methods We have developed and recently improved non-invasive methods to evaluate quantitatively uterine electrical signals from the abdominal surface and cervical collagen. Main outcome measures Uterine EMG utilised power density spectrum (PDS) peak frequency and total power (P-0) and cervical LIF utilising LIF ratio. Results Human studies indicate that uterine and cervical performance can be successfully monitored during pregnancy using EMG and LIF, respectively, and the assessment of uterine and cervical function can both be used to influence patient management in a variety of conditions associated with labour, more than can currently available methods. Conclusions The potential benefits of the proposed instrumentation include the following: a reduction in the rate of preterm birth, improved maternal and perinatal outcome, better monitoring of treatment, decreased caesarean section rate and better research methods for understanding uterine and cervical function.