Pregnancy push straps for use during delivery

Abstract

A pair of pregnancy push straps each comprising a first strap forming a loop having a handle means positioned thereon, the first strap for engagement with the hand of the expectant mother via a handle and the opposing end of the loop for engagement with the expectant mother's foot instep when the expectant mother is in a supine position with the thighs substantially vertical and the calves horizontal, there being one push strap associated with each leg and used simultaneously, there further being a second strap forming a loop perpendicularly about the first strap, a portion of the second strap fixedly secured to the first strap and removably secured and adjustable to the first strap for positioning about the ankle of the user.

1 . An apparatus for assisting a child birth effort of a pregnant woman, the apparatus comprising: 
 a pair of push straps utilized by a pregnant woman during child birth, each of said push straps associated with a right hand and right leg, and a left hand and a left leg, each of said push straps comprising a first loop of material, said loop of material having a handle means positioned thereon, said loop of material in communication with the instep of the respective foot of the said pregnant woman, the handle in communication with the respective hand of the pregnant woman, the push straps utilized when said pregnant woman is in a supine position wherein the thighs are in a substantially vertical position and said pregnant woman's calves are in a substantially horizontal position during child birth;    a second loop of material orientated in a plane vertical to said first loop of material for positioning about the ankle of said pregnant woman during child birth to maintain said push straps in position.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus for assisting a child birth effort of a pregnant woman in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said second loop of said push straps is removably securable about said ankle of said pregnant woman.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus for assisting a child birth effort of a pregnant woman in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said first loop member is adjustable by means of an adjustable buckle member to accommodate a pregnant woman of varying heights and sizes.  
   
   
       4 . A method of assisting a child birth effort of a pregnant woman, the method comprising: 
 grasping a handle member, said handle member being positioned on a first loop of material, wherein said first loop of material is of sufficient length so as to engage the instep of a pregnant woman's leg and a pregnant woman's hand on each lateral side of the body and a second loop about said ankle of said pregnant woman so as to position the thighs in a generally vertical position and the calves in a generally horizontal position when the pregnant woman is in a supine position so as to induce flexion of the hip and concomitant widening of the birth canal in order to aid in delivery.    
   
   
       5 . The method in accordance with  claim 4  wherein the first and second loops comprise non-elastic material.  
   
   
       6 . The method in accordance with  claim 4  wherein said second loop comprises a fastening means for securing said second loop about an ankle of the patient.  
   
   
       7 . The method in accordance with  claim 6  wherein the fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastener system.  
   
   
       8 . The method in accordance with  claim 4  wherein said first loop comprises a fictional adjustable buckle member for adjustment of the length of said first loop member determined upon the size and height of said pregnant woman.