Second stage labor assist apparatus and method

Abstract

A novel method of second stage labor assistance at least includes: providing a flexible cord member at least having at a first end, a first securing article, and at least having at a second end, a second securing article; coupling the first securing article to at least one upper extremity of an expectant mother; coupling the second securing article to at least one upper extremity of a person assisting (“assistant”) the expectant mother with child birth, the assistant at least serving as an anchor; and the expectant mother pulling on the flexible cord member away from the assistant to supplement the contractions of the expectant mother's abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, and at least partially inducing the movement of a baby down the birthing canal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 543,519 entitled “Birthing Grip / Second Stage Labor,” and filed on Feb. 11, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to aids for assisting the delivery of babies during child labor, and specifically relates to non-invasive aides for assisting the delivery of babies during second stage child labor. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART [0003] During second stage labor, an expectant mother's contractions ideally pass a baby down the birth canal for delivery. Often, however, an expectant mother's efforts alone are not enough to complete natural childbirth. The causes of the aforementioned inability are numerous, including, inter alia, fatigue of the expectant mother, desensitization as a side effect of anesthesia. [0004] Prior art approaches to assisting second stage labor include having the expectant mother grasp her legs while pushin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention has been developed to further provide a method of second stage labor assistance at least including: providing a flexible cord member at least having at a first end, a first securing article, and at least having at a second end, a second securing article; coupling the first securing article to a first lower extremity of an expectant mother; coupling the second securing article to a second lower extremity of the expectant mother; coupling at least one upper extremity of the expectant mother to the center region of the flexible cord member; and the expectant mother moving the first and second lower extremities in opposition to the at least one upper extremity to supplement the contractions of the expectant mother's abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, and at least partially inducing the movement of a baby down the birthing canal.

Problems solved by technology

Often, however, an expectant mother's efforts alone are not enough to complete natural childbirth.

These methods, however, are sometimes awkward, inconvenient, uncomfortable, and do not always provide an adequate resistance to sufficiently supplement contractions.

Failure of the prior art methods often necessitates the use of invasive procedures such as forceps delivery and vacuum extractions.

These invasive procedures and others have increased risks associated for known, harmful effects to both the baby and expectant mother, including abrasions, edema, bruising and other trauma.

Failure of these invasive procedures has also been associated with an increased need to perform cesarean sections.

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