The Labor Process and Epidural Analgesia Labor consists of a series of rhythmic and progressive contractions of the uterus that cause dilation of the cervix and delivery of the fetus.
Primary force is generated involuntarily by uterine muscle contractions.
This force effects cervical dilation and plays a major role in the descent of the fetus from the uterus to the vagina. This force has no effect on cervical dilation, but it is critical to the expulsion of the infant from the uterus and vagina after the cervix is completely dilated. Epidural analgesia has become one of the most popular and effective methods of pain relief for women in labor, but it has shown to substantially lengthen the duration of labor and increase the number of births requiring operative delivery. This can prolong labor and result in dystocia or the failure of labor to progress. The Labor Assister System was developed to augment the secondary force of women in labor and increase intrauterine pressure.