A new application developed by NTC aims to increase childbirth safety

More natural births without unnecessary risks and fewer costly examinations. An application developed by experts from the UWB is designed to ensure women a safe transition into motherhood and make obstetricians’ work easier. It will also assist in teaching and research. The SW is available for free.

Will a woman be able to have a natural birth without complications, or will medical intervention be necessary? A new software application developed by researchers from the NTC center at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen is intended to make such decision-making easier for physicians. The tool uses interactive 3D anatomical models and currently focuses exclusively on the female pelvic floor. In the future, according to the Pilsen-based scientists, the application could, in some cases, even replace costly imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The current simulation model can be tailored to individual expectant mothers. In addition to basic anatomical templates, users can upload their own data into the application. For example, the model can clearly show whether a particular woman’s pelvic floor is capable of adapting to the baby’s head. This allows physicians to easily assess whether a natural birth is anatomically safe or likely to be complicated. The application itself does not make decisions; it provides an initial visualization and prepares a computational model, which is then evaluated by a physician.

The program uses modern graphical tools. The models can be freely rotated, zoomed in on, or modified according to specific parameters. According to the application’s authors, these features are also highly valuable for students of medicine, physiotherapy, and other healthcare disciplines. “For example, they can display and hide individual pelvic floor structures, observe their spatial relationships, and better understand their biomechanical connections. It works as a kind of advanced 3D anatomical atlas with personalization options,” explained one of the authors, Luděk Hynčík from NTC.

According to him, the application is also aimed at researchers and developers who create medical software and 3D visualizations. The program is still under development and, in the future, NTC experts expect it to offer models for congenital defects, prolapses, or other pelvic floor pathologies. “We greatly appreciate feedback from users. It will help us further develop the application,” said Luděk Hynčík. The development team at NTC also includes Hana Čechová, Magdaléna Jansová, and Abbas Talimian.

The application is available for free download. However, the authors emphasize that it is not intended for the general public. It is designed for professionals and students who know how to work with anatomical and computational models.