Estimation of the Stages of Labor Using a Multichannel Electrohysterogram Sensor and Conditional Variational Autoencoder.

The electrohysterogram (EHG) is a type of electromyogram that measures potential changes produced by the smooth muscle of the uterus. Similar to the electrical activity of cardiac and skeletal muscle, EHG manifests as alterations in body surface potentials. It offers a less invasive alternative and is expected to identify preterm labor and abnormal deliveries. This study employs a large-area flexible electrode sheet to measure EHG signals from abdominal body surface potentials during delivery. The measured EHG signals, along with the labor stages determined through internal examination findings by the physician, are analyzed using a machine learning approach.