A system to prompt a subject to consciously alter one or more physiological parameters during childbirth-related contractions includes an imaging subsystem, a contraction sensor, and various computer program modules. The computer program module are configured to determine a physiological parameter, contraction information, a target action rate, and cues based thereon. The physiological parameter may include a breathing rate. The target action rate may include a target breathing rate. The cues may include breathing cues.