An inflatable ergonomic 3-chamber fundal pressure belt to assist vaginal delivery

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether Baby-guard-a new medical device with an ergonomic 3-chamber inflatable abdominal belt-can reduce complications associated with vaginal delivery. METHODS: A randomized controlled single-blind prospective study of 80 pregnant women delivering at term was conducted at San Giuseppe Hospital, Empoli, Italy. In the study group (n=40), the abdominal belt was inflated to optimal therapeutic pressures. In the control group (n=40), the abdominal belt was inflated to minimal, non-therapeutic pressures. Factors relating to maternal, fetal, and labor complications during vaginal delivery were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, women in the study group experienced a lower incidence of perineal and cervical lacerations (P<0.001); reduced use of the Kristeller maneuver (P<0.001); shorter duration of the second stage of labor (P<0.001); less psychologic and physical fatigue (P<0.001); fewer maternal requests for cesarean delivery during labor (P<0.001); fewer vacuum extractions (P<0.01); and fewer cesarean deliveries (P<0.02). No neonatal intensive care unit admissions were recorded in the study group versus 7 in the control group (P<0.012). CONCLUSION: Use of the ergonomic 3-chamber inflatable abdominal belt system reduced the incidence of risks associated with vaginal labor. Clinical trials.gov identifier: NCT01566331.