First 3-D virtual simulator to predict difficult births

Scientists are developing a virtual simulator that will be able to see how a birth may take place and predict whether a caesarean section may be necessary.
The simulation software will take into account factors such as the shape of the mother's body and the positioning of the baby to provide patient-specific birth predictions.
"Because this programme is patient-specific, doctors and midwives will be able to see how a birth may take place before it has happened on a case-by-case basis. For example, you would be able to see if a baby's shoulders will get stuck," said Dr Rudy Lapeer from the University of East Anglia.

The programme will use ultra-sound data to re-create a geometric model of a baby's skull and body in 3D graphics as well as the mother's body and pelvis.
"We are creating a forward engineered simulation of childbirth using 3D graphics to simulate the sequence of movements as a baby descends through the pelvis during labour," Lapeer said.
"Users will be able to input key anatomical data - such as the size and shape of the mother's pelvis, and the baby's head and torso. By doing this you will be able to set different bespoke scenarios for both the mother and baby," he said.

Programmers will also take into account the force from the mother pushing during labour and are even modelling a 'virtual' midwife's hands which can interact with the baby's head.
"We hope that this could help to avoid complicated births altogether by guiding people in the medical profession to advise on caesarean sections where necessary," Lapeer said.