Team Members & Role: 

Celina Ricaurte: Team Lead

Matthew Marchant: Analysis Lead 

Ryan Huit: Design Lead

Samuel Wong: Fabrication Lead

Nora Murphy: Evaluation Lead

Abstract:

An effective method in relieving pain during labor contractions is a practice performed by doulas and midwives called the hip squeeze maneuver. However, performing the hip squeeze maneuver becomes tiring over the long periods of time in which labor could last (up to several hours), as it requires exerting a significant amount of force to the sides of the hips and into the lower back, solely with personal strength and grip. Addressing this issue will allow for an improvement in the labor and delivery experiences of many pregnant individuals and their assisting doulas/midwives. Currently, the only technology aiding doulas and midwives in performing the hip squeeze maneuver, besides traditional manual techniques, is the use of scarves wrapped around the individual’s hips. These are tied at varying degrees to facilitate the squeeze around the pelvic area. However, scarves are unable to target pressure as effectively and precisely as human hands. There is a need for assistance in performing the hip squeeze maneuver more easily so it can be sustained for longer without the usual fatigue. Our team has conceptualized and fabricated a device that improves the ergonomics of performing the squeeze by reducing the required exertion of force by a doula or midwife from two directions to just one inward direction while maintaining a sufficient hip squeeze. Utilizing force sensitive resistors (FSRs), our team was able to measure the pressure exerted by a doula during the hip squeeze maneuver to be approximately 4 PSI over the area of the doulas hands onto the sides and back of the hips. Using the same measuring method, our hip squeezer device was recorded to exert an average pressure of 3.5 PSI. Our device is able to achieve a comparable hip squeeze while maintaining a lightweight and sleek design. Our device weighs 3.76 lbs. and is 25.5” in its longest dimension, and is extremely safe with a removal time of 0.5 seconds. Additionally, this device allows for complete control over the amount of pressure applied. NASA’s Modified System Usability Scale was also utilized to further evaluate the device and determine its ease-of-use, efficiency, learnability, and customer satisfaction. Our sponsor’s response to the survey correlated to a score of 93.75/100. Ultimately, this device succeeds in reducing the physical strain of performing the hip squeeze maneuver.