Montevideo units

Montevideo units are a method of measuring uterine performance during labor. They were created by two physicians, Caldeyro-Barcia and Poseiro, from Montevideo, Uruguay. Units are calculated by measuring uterine pressure above baseline tone and multiplying by the number of contractions in a 10 minute period. Uterine pressure is generally measured through an intrauterine pressure catheter.

If, for instance, uterine pressure above baseline were 50 mmHg, and during the 10 minute period of measurement 3 contractions occurred, total Montevideo units (MVUs) would be equal to 150 MVUs. Generally, above 200 MVUs is considered necessary for adequate labor during the active phase.