Title: Advances and future directions of foetal finite element modelling in childbirth: from biomechanical interactions to clinical implications

Authors: Linxiao Shen; Zhenghui Lu; Xin Li; Dong Sun; Yang Song; Gusztáv Fekete; András Kovács; Fan Li; Xuanzhen Cen

Addresses: Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China ' Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary ' Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary ' Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China ' Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong ' Department of Material Science and Technology, Audi Hungaria Faculty of Automotive Engineering, Széchenyi István University, Veszprém, Hungary ' Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, Hungary ' College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China ' Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China

Abstract: This review aims to summarise the applications of finite element modelling used in labour mechanics and explore their clinical relevance in optimising labour management and intervention strategies. A systematic literature search was performed in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines across the PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science and Elsevier ScienceDirect databases. Selected 13 studies were evaluated based on the methodological quality assessment of single-subject finite element analysis (MQSSFE). The review highlights the widespread use of whole-body foetal finite element models in childbirth simulations. Key factors in childbirth biomechanics include uterine contraction intensity, abdominal muscle forces, pelvic floor function, foetal head flexion, tissue properties, and descent trajectory. Finite element modelling offers key insights but faces challenges in accuracy, personalised anatomy, and clinical application. Advances in computational biomechanics, imaging validation, and patient-specific simulations will improve childbirth understanding, risk assessment and labour management.

Keywords: foetal; finite element model; childbirth; labour; biomechanics; interactions; clinical; application.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2025.149597

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2025 Vol.49 No.2, pp.139 - 168

Received: 27 Mar 2025
Accepted: 03 Jun 2025
Published online: 07 Nov 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article