The effect of disopyramide on uterine contractions during pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Disopyramide is a drug given to patients with abnormal heart rhythms. The physiological effect of disopyramide during pregnancy has been questioned. To see if disopyramide can cause contractions of the uterus significant enough to induce labor, 10 women were given disopyramide or a placebo, 48 hours before planned labor induction for other medical reasons. In the group receiving disopyramide, 10 patients had contractions and eight patients delivered within 48 hours. There were no contractions noted in any of the ten patients receiving the placebo and no deliveries. The time it took for the onset of regular uterine contractions was 4.15 hours, compared with 56.13 hours in the nontreated group. The levels of disopyramide during labor contractions were significantly lower than the levels required to prevent abnormal heart rhythms. There were no significant side effects of disopyramide in the mother or fetus. It is unlikely that disopyramide would be a candidate for a labor-inducing drug, since it did not initiate labor in two women. In addition, the duration of labor was prolonged when compared with other agents. Disopyramide should not be used to prevent abnormal heart rhythms in pregnant cardiac patients. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Evaluation, Complications and side effects, Drug therapy, Arrhythmia, Labor, Induced (Obstetrics), Induced labor, Obstetrical pharmacology, Disopyramide

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Effect of low-dose aspirin during pregnancy on fibrinolytic variables before and after parturition

Article Abstract:

Low-dose aspirin taken throughout pregnancy appears to reduce the clotting ability of the blood. Twenty-four women with a history of high blood pressure in pregnancy or fetal growth retardation took a daily dose of aspirin. Effects on clotting factors in the blood were measured by taking maternal blood samples during labor and by sampling the baby's umbilical cord blood after birth. Results were compared with 16 women who did not take aspirin. No woman developed preeclampsia or had a growth retarded fetus. All births were free of complications. Estimated blood loss among aspirin takers ranged from 100 ml to 600 ml and averaged 200 ml. Blood loss among control women ranged from 100 ml to 1100 ml and also averaged 200 ml. Aspirin reduced maternal plasminogen activator inhibitor activity 40% before birth and 70% after birth. Thromboxane B2 values in maternal blood were 7% that of control women and those in umbilical cord blood were 17% that of control babies.

Physiological aspects, Aspirin, Plasminogen activators, Fibrinolytic agents, Fibrinolysis

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Myometrial contractile strain at uteroplacental separation during parturition

Article Abstract:

The uterus contracts as strongly as it can in order to release the placenta after childbirth. The presence of the fetus and amniotic fluid probably prevents this from happening during pregnancy, helping the placenta remain intact.

Research, Parturition, Parturition (Animals)

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