Abstract

A system and method for monitoring uterine cervical dilation, effacement, and consistency during labor. A probe comprising a linear caliper and a flexible membrane is applied to the uterine cervix, and loaded by a constant closing force generated by a hydraulic piston mechanism. The flexible membrane assumes the contour of the opening of the uterine cervix, a fiber-optic sensor on the probe measures the curvature of the membrane, and a processor calculates cervical dilation from the degree of curvature of the membrane. The displacement of the caliper arms is recorded, and a processor calculates the degree of cervical effacement from the displacement data. The caliper closing force is transiently altered, and the resultant caliper arm displacement value is compared with a baseline displacement value so as to calculate a descriptor of cervical consistency. Cervical dilation, effacement and consistency data is displayed in real time, and compared with stored normal values.