Endocrinology of parturition

Abstract

Labor is a complex physiologic process involving fetal, placental, and maternal signals. The timely onset of labor and birth is an important determinant of perinatal outcome. Both preterm labor and delivery and post-term pregnancy are associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Considerable evidence suggests that the fetus is in control of the timing of labor and, thus, its birth, but exactly how this is achieved in the human is still unknown. A better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the process of labor will further our knowledge about disorders of parturition, such as preterm labor, and improve the ability of obstetric care providers to secure a successful pregnancy outcome. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.