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Raised prostaglandin levels in the third stage of labor
Serial measurements of maternal peripheral plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F (PGFM) and oxytocin were made during the three stages of labor and in the immediate puerperium. PGFM levels increased a labor progressed, and reached maximal levels before placental separation had occurred. The mean value in the second stage of labor was significantly higher than that in the first stage (p less than 0.01); similarly, the value 5 minutes after delivery, before expulsion of the placenta, was significantly greater than that in the second stage of labor (p less than 0.01). There was no significant difference between the mean PGFM concentration at placental separation and the level 5 minutes after delivery or in the second stage of labor. Two hours after delivery of the placenta, PGFM levels were not significantly different from values observed in the first stage of labor. Peripheral plasma concentrations of oxytocin did not change significantly at any stage of labor or 2 hours post partum. These results suggest that prostaglandins have a role in the third stage of labor, and this finding may have important clinical implications.
Serial measurements of maternal peripheral plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F (PGFM) and oxytocin were made during the three stages of labor and in the immediate puerperium. PGFM levels increased a labor progressed, and reached maximal levels before placental separation had occurred. The mean value in the second stage of labor was significantly higher than that in the first stage (p less than 0.01); similarly, the value 5 minutes after delivery, before expulsion of the placenta, was significantly greater than that in the second stage of labor (p less than 0.01). There was no significant difference between the mean PGFM concentration at placental separation and the level 5 minutes after delivery or in the second stage of labor. Two hours after delivery of the placenta, PGFM levels were not significantly different from values observed in the first stage of labor. Peripheral plasma concentrations of oxytocin did not change significantly at any stage of labor or 2 hours post partum. These results suggest that prostaglandins have a role in the third stage of labor, and this finding may have important clinical implications.