Device and Methods to Reduce Vaginal Tearing During Delivery

摘要

A perineal protection device for use during childbirth comprises one or more pads configured to be placed on the perineum and having a varying level of resistance to stretch along the anterior-posterior axis between the vaginal opening and the anus. The device further includes attachment means in the form of adhesives, hooks, sutures, or other suitable means, for adhering the pad to the skin during childbirth, with the result that stress on the perineum is reduced during childbirth, thus reducing tearing during childbirth. The resistance to stretch is relatively lower near the vaginal opening, and relatively greater near the anus. The increase can be linear or nonlinear. The pad can be formed monolithically or in multiple portions. The resistance to stretch can be varied by varying the modulus of elasticity, varying cross-sectional area, or other suitable mechanical or materials-based techniques.

主权项

1. A perineal protection device for use during childbirth comprising
first and second portions configured to be positioned substantially symmetrically along an imaginary line connecting the vaginal opening and the anus during delivery, attachment means for affixing each portion to the skin, and at least one displaceable member for connecting the first and second portions and for permitting the first and second portions to move away from one another during delivery.