Z28 - 3D Modeling of the Uterus and Placenta During Pregnancy

Friday, October 10, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT

Location: Exhibit Hall F, G & H

Presenting Author(s)

GS

Gillian Szwabowski

Student
Wayne State University
Northville, Michigan, United States

Primary Investigator(s)

Michelle Oyen

Associate Professor, BME
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan, United States

Last Author(s)

EL

Erin Louwagie

Postdoctoral Researcher
Wayne State University, United States

Introduction: : Due to the highly protected nature of pregnancy, studying it and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the biomechanics and structural components involved is challenging. Computational modeling, particularly individualized digital twins based on patient anatomy, can provide insights not only into patient-specific anatomy and risks, but also an opportunity for better understanding the general environment of pregnancy. These digital twins can be developed in multiple ways, including 3D models from segmentation of patient MRI images and parametric modeling with patient-adjusted measurements. Digital twins are not only beneficial for more technical applications such as use with finite element analysis for study of biomechanics, but also for visualization of structures and their relative shapes and size in such a way that could not otherwise be easily visualized.

Materials and

Methods: : Manual segmentation of a set of MRI data was performed using ITK-SNAP, and included segmentation of the uterus, cervix, placenta, fetus, and amniotic fluid. Once the segmentations were completed, the ITK-SNAP generated 3D model was exported to 3DSlicer for general smoothing or 3DCoat for more precise smoothing. As a continuation of a previous parametric model of the uterus and cervix, a placenta was added with dimensions based on existing and established measurements, and the fetal membrane was adjusted to continue over the placenta [1]. A simple placenta geometry was constructed in Solidworks and was parameterized to include dimensions throughout gestation [2]. The parameterized placenta models were then placed next to previously created uterine 3D models at the respective gestational ages [3].

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: Figure 1 shows a side-by-side of the MRI-segmented 3D model alongside a parametric Solidworks model with the placenta in approximately the same position. While not based on the same patient measurements, both models still show similarities in relative structure shapes and sizes. Figure 2 shows a side-by-side view of a segmented uterus model with a placenta model through varying gestational ages.
Previous studies have shown promise in the use of parametric and segmented models in studying pregnancy and trying to predict pregnancy outcomes, though they have focused primarily on the uterus and cervix thus far [1]. Adding the placenta, and eventually the fetus and umbilical cord, will allow for a more robust and accurate model for use across a variety of potential applications.

Acknowledgements and/or References (Optional): : [1] Louwagie, E.M., et al., 2024, 10.1115/1.4065109

[2] Baergen, R.N., et al., 2022, 10.1007/978-3-030-84725-8

[3] Louwagie, E.M., et al., 2024, 10.1038/s44294-024-00038-8