Pregnancy robot helps doctors practice for child birth

And you thought women had it bad

20 April 2006 0:37 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Although my wife's due date for our first born has been and gone, I am on tenterhooks as I write this, it's comforting to know that the doctors of tomorrow and today now have the latest cutting edge technology to practice on.

Take a deep breath.

The Associated Press is announcing the arrival of NOELLE, a birthing simulator conceived by a scientific company in the US that simulates labour so doctors can practice what to do.

Supplied with four umbilical cords, four dilating cervices, two umbilical clamps and three vulva for postpartum suturing meaning the model really delivers (excuse the pun).

Other notable (if you can call it that) features include an interactive female with one birthing baby and one interactive neonate and the ability for doctors to practice C-section and forceps delivery.

If of course you are really worried that you'll be caught out and have to deliver the baby yourself, you can buy one from the company to practice on your own.

Prices start at just under $10,000.

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