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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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01-06-2010 | Materno-fetal Medicine

The onset of human parturition

Author: Remah Moustafa Kamel

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 6/2010

Abstract

Background

Despite impressive progress in the science and technology of reproduction, the mechanism by which labour is initiated in humans remains obscure.

Objectives

As the labour in humans is a distinct event differs from what happens in animals, this study aims to gather the current theories that could explain when and why the onset of human parturition occurs.

Methods

In a comprehensive review study done at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, United Kingdom, MetaLib, the university web-based electronic library, was cross-searched for the factors behind the onset of labour in humans through different medical databases such as; Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), BIOSIS Previews on Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline and Web of Science, in-addition to the relevant printed medical journals and periodicals.

Results

The study revealed that among the potential factors involved in the process of human parturition are the changes in hormonal levels of estrogen and progesterone, increased production of prostaglandins and oxytocin, and the high levels of corticotrophin releasing hormone and cortisol are some among the potential factors involved in the process of human parturition. Inflammatory reactions with the release of cytokines are among the most accepted theories for term and preterm labours. It is most likely that the interaction between all these factors and others, yet to be discovered, play in harmony to initiate the process of labour in women.

Conclusion

The result show that birth is a result of complex, partially defined, events that are tightly regulated by a variety of mechanisms and mediators of endocrine, nervous and immune systems. Unfortunately, none of them is completely elucidated.

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Title: The onset of human parturition
Author: Remah Moustafa Kamel
Publication date: 01-06-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-010-1365-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The onset of human parturition

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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