Updated January 25, 2014.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Definition:

An intrauterine pressure catheter is a small flexible tube that is inserted into the uterus, laying between the baby and the uterine wall, making it a form of internal monitoring for contractions. It provides exact measurements of contractions, unlike external monitors.

The IUPC is used when labor is progressing slowly or is stalling to ensure that the contractions are strong enough but not too strong.

It is typically left in place for the duration of your labor and is attached to your leg to secure it.

Your water must be broken to use the intrauterine pressure catheter. If it has not broken, your doctor or midwife will perform an amniotomy to break it. It is more frequently used with inductions of labor and with the use of pitocin. It may also be used in conjunction with a fetal scalp electrode for internal monitoring of your baby's heart rate.

Examples: My doctor wanted me to have an intrauterine pressure catheter to make sure that the pitocin wasn't too strong.