Method for easing human childbirth using a lubricant composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of easing childbirth using a composition having a lubricant effect for use in particular during human vaginal delivery. The methods comprise applying a bioadhesive composition comprising (a) a polyacrylic acid, (b) a water-soluble thickener and (c) a humectant and (d) optionally water.

1 . A composition having a lubricant effect, comprising
 (a) a polyacrylic acid,   (b) a water-soluble thickener and   (c) a humectant and   (d) where appropriate water.   
     
     
         2 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 component (a) comprises a crosslinked or/and chemically modified polyacrylic acid.   
     
     
         3 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 component (b) comprises a cellulose derivative, in particular hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl-cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or/and hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose or/and a mucopolysaccharide, especially hyaluronic acid.   
     
     
         4 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 component (c) comprises propylene glycol, glycerol or/and polyethylene glycol.   
     
     
         5 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 component (a) is present in a proportion by weight of 0.1-15%, preferably of 0.1-10% based on the total weight of the composition.   
     
     
         6 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 component (b) is present in a proportion by weight of 0.1-30%, preferably of 1-10% based on the total weight of the composition.   
     
     
         7 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 component (c) is present in a proportion by weight of 0.1-30%, preferably of 10-30% based on the total weight of the composition.   
     
     
         8 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 it has a pH in the range of 4-7, preferably of 5.5-6.   
     
     
         9 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 it has a viscosity of 1-40 Pa·s, preferably of 10-18 Pa·s.   
     
     
         10 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 it has thixotropic or/and pseudoplastic properties.   
     
     
         11 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 it has a conductivity of 4-25 mS·cm −1 , preferably of 8-12 mS·cm −1 .   
     
     
         12 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 it has a substantially isotonic osmolarity.   
     
     
         13 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 it is sterilized.   
     
     
         14 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 it is free of preservatives.   
     
     
         15 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 it is in the form of a gel, as solid dosage form, as suspension or as foam.   
     
     
         16 . The composition as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that
 it additionally comprises at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient.   
     
     
         17 . The use of a composition as claimed in  claim 1  as lubricant in a human vaginal delivery. 
     
     
         18 . The use as claimed in  claim 17 , characterized in that
 the composition is applied one or more times before or/and after the start of regular labor contractions.   
     
     
         19 . The use as claimed in  claim 17 , characterized in that
 the composition is applied in the birth canal, where appropriate including the mouth of the womb or/and intraamniotically.   
     
     
         20 . The use of a composition as claimed in  claim 1  as lubricant for facilitating removal of the placenta.