The Fluid Mechanics of Female Reproduction: A Review of the Biofluid Mechanics of Pregnancy and Delivery

Reproductive biomechanics, a broad and developing field, contains fluid mechanics problems at every stage. In particular, the human female reproductive system is a complex and dynamic fluid-structure system. Until recently, the majority of this research focused on the early moments of reproduction—namely, the transport phenomena that dominate fertilization and implantation. However, in the past two decades, fluid mechanics has begun to be used in investigations of all aspects surrounding pregnancy, labor, and delivery. In this review, we discuss human reproduction starting with the nonpregnant uterus through implantation, delivery, and lactation and breastfeeding. We cover physiologic changes from the transformation of the uterus and the cervical remodeling process to the development of the placenta and the beginning of lactation. We examine the role of reproductive fluids such as amniotic fluid and vernix caseosa, and how force is transferred during labor.Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, Volume 56 is January 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.