Predictive value of EMG basal activity in the cervix at initiation of delivery in humans

Abstract

We present efforts to objectively assess cervical ripeness in humans. The hypothesis was that the cervical EMG basal activity might reflect readiness of the cervix for delivery. 47 women at initiation of delivery were involved in the study. EMG parameters – amplitude (URMSA) and frequency contents (MFA) – were related to Cumulative Bishop Score values (CBS) assessed by an obstetrician in each woman at the labor onset. The results show that the parameters are predictive of the CBS, both correlating negatively with the CBS value. Hence, EMG parameters have potentials to become objective indicators in assessment of cervical ripeness in humans. This would empower an obstetrician in his/her decisions how to further conduct the labor.