Wave-form analysis of intrauterine pressure curves with methods and models developed in cardiac research

With the Hill model of muscle dynamics and a modified cardiac model, a series of computer programs have been generated which permit the description of certain aspects of uterine contractility and uterine function in human parturition. Patterns of labor relating to delivery outcome, dysfunctional uterine activity, and use of drugs are discussed with reference to the parameters measured in the study. Central tendencies among 70 spontaneous and induced labors (6,302 contractions) are presented and discussed. (Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.