Overview
This study will evaluate the use of a durometer to measure uterine tone in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery.
Description
The most accurate and precise measure of uterine tone is unknown. The most commonly described in vivo method in the literature is a qualitative numeric scoring scale from 0-10. The 0-10 uterine tone score has demonstrated good and excellent inter-rater reliability between 1 and 2 raters respectively, and good inter-rater agreement. Recent data suggests that the 0-10 uterine tone score is well-correlated with clinical assessments of uterine tone.
A handful of studies have used a quantitative "hardness meter", including a Shore durometer, to describe uterine tone in vivo, with promising results. The instrument has not yet been validated in cesarean delivery.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Non-emergent (scheduled) cesarean delivery at University of Chicago Family Birth Center
- Patients ages 18-50
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients undergoing unscheduled (intrapartum) cesarean delivery
- Ages <18 or >50 years old
- Intrapartum cesarean hysterectomy
- Inability to provide independent, informed consent due to impairment or intellectual disability
- Non-English speaking patients