Early signs and symptoms of preterm labor

Article Abstract:

Preterm labor, occurring before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy, can result in early delivery. Although many agents have been used to control preterm labor (tocolytic agents), the rate of premature births has not decreased in the US. Valid signs and symptoms of preterm labor would help identify patients who are at risk for preterm delivery who require tocolytic agents. The signs and symptoms of preterm labor experienced by 100 women diagnosed with preterm labor were studied. The degree of uterine contractions, menstrual cramps, diarrhea, constant backache or pelvic pressure, as well as the character of vaginal discharge and frequency of urination experienced during the seven days preceding labor onset were studied. Although uterine contractions were the most commonly reported symptom, they were not experienced by 29 percent of the patients. Of the 71 percent experiencing contractions, only 55 percent perceived them as painful. Fewer than half of the patients experienced contractions more often than every 10 minutes. Therefore, the presence of preterm contractions is a more valuable indicator than the pain associated with contractions, which may or may not be present. Although the signs and symptoms of preterm labor are useful when developing management strategies, they should not be used as the exclusive means of labor surveillance. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Premature labor

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Paralysis of the preterm rabbit fetus inhibits the pulmonary uptake of intraamniotic iron dextran

Article Abstract:

Normal fetal breathing movements may assist the flow of amniotic fluid into the airways of fetuses. This mechanism may provide a way to administer fetal treatments, especially for lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Researchers paralyzed half of the pups in each of 10 pregnant rabbits and then injected iron dextran into each pup's amniotic sac. All of the non-paralyzed pups showed microscopic evidence of iron dextran equally distributed throughout their lungs. None of the paralyzed pups had any microscopic evidence of iron dextran in their lungs.

Research, Physiological aspects, Lungs, Lung, Drug delivery systems, Iron-dextran complex

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AGOS@Y2K: presidential address

Article Abstract:

The president of the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society (AGOS) discusses the history and potential future of the society. AGOS was formed in 1981 from the merger of the American Gynecological Society and the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

History, American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society

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