Basic Mechanisms Controlling Term and Preterm Birth

This summary of the physiology of the pregnant uterus discusses the following areas of research: myometrial physiology and electrophysiology; the hormonal control of labour; prostaglandins, infection and immune control; and the clinical management of preterm labour and labour induction.

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This comprehensive summary of the physiology of the pregnant uterus discusses four main themes: myometrial physiology and electrophysiology; hormonal control of labour (including the cervix); prostaglandins, infection and immune control of pregnancy; and clinical management of preterm labour treatment and labour induction. It also reviews and discusses the mechanism of action of antiprogestins in the late pregnant uterus and its therapeutic potential in obstetrics. In addition, some basic questions are indicated where further research is needed in both university institutions and the pharmaceutical industry towards understanding the onset of normal and preterm labour.