Forces affecting the dynamics of labor. A biophysical perspective

In an effort to comprehend the role of various parameters affecting the rate of obstetric labor, the physical and biochemical factors involved were reviewed. In particular, the forces acting to dilate the cervix were examined mathematically. The increase in the rate of dilation as labor progresses is the direct consequence of the interaction of the applied forces and changes in the chemical characteristics of the cervix. In this way, empirical observations that have been made in the delivery suite can now be understood in terms of the fundamental scientific phenomena active in promoting labor.