Physiology and electrical activity of uterine contractions.
Presently, there is no effective treatment for preterm labor. The most obvious reason for this anomaly is that there is no objective manner to evaluate the progression of pregnancy through steps leading to labor, either at term or preterm. Several techniques have been adopted to monitor labor, and/or to diagnose labor, but they are either subjective or indirect, and they do not provide an accurate prediction of when labor will occur. With no method to determine preterm labor, treatment might never improve. Uterine electromyography (EMG) methods may provide such needed diagnostics.
University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, 301 University, Route 1062, Galveston, TX 77555, United States. rgarfiel@utmb.edu
Robert E
RE
Garfield
William L
WL
Maner
D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009215:Myometrium / Q000502:physiology; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000502:physiology