[The role of prostacyclin and thromboxane in pregnancy]

During normal pregnancy vascular and hemodynamic changes are present. These alterations are due to a change in the balance between prostacyclin and thromboxane in favour of prostacyclin. In pregnancy induced hypertension the balance is in favour of thromboxane, explaining the absence of the vascular adaptation of pregnancy. Pharmacologic approach to restore the balance in favour of prostacyclin are promising.