Plasma levels of prostaglandin metabolites during spontaneous delivery.

Abstract

1. The fetal contribution to PGFM levels is smaller than supposed. 2. The highest levels of PGFM found at placental separation seem to indicate the decidual origin of PGs which enter the maternal organism via the open uterine veins. This assumption is supported by low levels during the postpartum period when contractions are nearly as strong as during labor, but the uterine veins are closed. 3. There is no evidence that obstetrical factors are correlated to PGFM levels.