PGF2α is produced in the fetoplacental unit but does not appear to contribute to the initiation or maintenance of labour.
Supports fetoplacental PGF2α production independent of labor; leaves open its role in parturition and should not yet change practice.
Summary Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels were determined in the maternal and fetal circulation in late pregnancy. PGF2α was significantly higher in the umbilical artery and vein than in maternal peripheral venous blood at normal delivery and elective Caesarean section. There was no significant arterio‐venous difference in the umbilical blood. Although the findings suggest PGF2α production in the fetoplacental unit, they do not indicate this source contributes to the initiation or maintenance of labour.
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Craft et al. (1973) studied this question.
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