A Method for Image-Based Modeling of Uterine Passive Mechanics During Late Pregnancy
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Purpose
Computational models of the uterus during pregnancy enable analysis of electro-chemo-mechanical pathways to predict labor timing and guide treatment planning. We aim to develop a robust image-based modeling pipeline to investigate uterine passive mechanics during late pregnancy.
Methods
A parametric model of the uterus and cervix was created using a patient’s MRI measurements at 38 weeks of gestation. Inspired by advances in cardiac mechanics models, we created Laplace-Dirichlet solutions to inform tissue domains, fiber structure within the uterus and cervix, and spatially varying Robin boundary conditions. Prior imaging and mechanical testing data were used to fit material parameters. Boundary condition parameters were tuned to match the displacements of a previously established approach that employed contact with surrounding tissue. The tissue mechanical response to a physiologic load was assessed across varying material properties and fiber architectures.
Results
Discrepancies in nodal displacements between the current approach and the contact-based model were limited to 3.4 ± 1.8 mm, yielding nearly 90 % computational savings. Uterine tensile strains were more sensitive to ground substance elastic modulus ( E ) compared to fiber properties. Reduced E and fiber stiffness increased cervical strains and compression. Fiber dispersion and architecture modulated the opening of the cervical internal ostium but had a reduced impact on compression.
Conclusion
We developed a novel workflow for modeling passive uterine mechanics, informed by patient-specific measurements and in vitro mechanical tests. The robust workflow may prove useful for studying labor progression and conducting longitudinal studies to enhance our understanding of normal and pathological pregnancies.
