Childbirth simulator provides hands-on training

14:57 06 October 04 NewScientist.com news service A device that simulates childbirth has been developed to enable obstetricians to learn how to perform the procedure for the first time.

Designed by a team of researchers from Institut National des Sciences Appliquées and the Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, both in Lyon, France, the device simulates the delivery of an infant using a hydraulic system which simulates the movement of a baby through its mother's pelvis.

Called BirthSIM, the system simulates a pelvis and a newborn baby's head. It uses a pneumatic drive, attached to a computer, to imitate contractions and the mother's pushing.

Sensors connected to the pneumatic system and the model of the baby's head can determine whether a student is applying too much pressure in encouraging the baby through the pelvis, or applying excessive pressure to its head.

Current models

Various forms of simple models are currently used to train midwives, doctors and obstetricians. But these lack flexibility and cannot offer novices a realistic simulation of delivery, the researchers say.

"These simulators do not help students to practice the gestures they should safely use to help the newborn in normal and at-risk situations of delivery," write Maurice Bétemps and colleagues in a paper presented at the IROS 2004 conference in Sendai, Japan on Saturday.