Serum prostaglandin precursors after vaginal examination and amniotomy

The effect of vaginal or cervical examination during pregnancy upon the levels of circulating prostaglandin precursors and other free fatty acids was investigated. Of 31 mothers coming to elective induction of labor, a plain vaginal examination was performed in 9 cases, the cervix was penetrated by a finger and the membranes were slightly swept off the uterine wall in 10 cases and an amniotomy was performed in 12 cases. The blood samples were collected before and 5 minutes after the procedure. No changes were observed in prostaglandin precursors or in other free fatty acid levels. Also the precursors/other fatty acids ratio was unchanged. The demonstrated changes in circulating prostaglandin levels after these procedures are not reflected in the circulating precursor levels.