Objective: To image the synchronization of different parts of the uterus in relation to the abdominal surface during uterine contractions using uterine electromyogram topography.
Methods: Of the 20 participants, 16 were in active labor at term, 1 was in preterm labor, and 3 were experiencing failed induced labor. The signals simultaneously collected by 16 digitized channels were in the frequency ranges of 0.2 to 0.45 Hz and 0.8 to 3 Hz. Relative energies were calculated for these 2 frequency ranges and imaged by means of interpolation and transformation.
Results: Uterine topographic imaging during active labor suggested good synchronization in all participants, except in one of the 3 who were experiencing failed induced labor. Most notably, synchronization was as good in preterm labor as it was in labor at term.
Conclusion: Uterine electromyogram topography provided good imaging of the synchronization of uterine contractions, and could be used for further research on uterine contractility during term and preterm labor.