Interaction analysis of a pregnant female uterus and fetus in a vehicle passing a speed bump

Abstract

Pregnant vehicle occupants experience relatively large acceleration when the vehicle passes a speed-bump. In this paper, the effect of such sudden acceleration on a pregnant uterus is investigated. A biomechanical model representing the fundamental dynamic behaviors of a pregnant uterus has been developed. The model relates to the 32nd week of gestation when the fetus is in head-down, occipito-anterior position. Considering the drag and squeeze effects of the amniotic fluid, we derive a comprehensive differential equation that represents the interaction of the uterus and fetus. Solving the governing equation, we obtain the system response to different speed-bump excitations. Using the fetal head injury criterion (HIC = 390), we evaluate the model response. Three risk zones (Low, Medium, and High) are introduced, and the effects of excitation characteristics on HIC are investigated. HIC enhances, sub-exponentially, as the excitation amplitude (width) increases (decreases). Three risk-bounds, corresponding to 25%, 75%, and 100% risk of injury, are developed in the "width-amplitude" and the "frequency-amplitude" planes. Considering a typical speed-bump of width and excitation amplitude of 0.5 m and 0.12 m, respectively, the driver should not hit the speed-bump at 42 km/h or more. We advise hitting such speed-bumps under 25 km/h, based on this paper's findings. According to the risk-bounds, the injury risk of an arbitrary speed-bump excitation, at any desired vehicle speed, can be determined. The findings can help to understand how a pregnant uterus and fetus are subjected to risk caused by a vehicle passing a speed-bump and to expand our knowledge to improve safety during pregnancy.

Keywords: Biomechanical model; Fetal head; Injury criteria; Injury risk; Pregnant uterus health; Vehicle vibrations.