Primary prostaglandins in amniotic fluid during laminaria-induced cervical softening at term

Summary

The unripe cervix of seven healthy primiparae at term but not in labour was mechanically distended by laminaria tents for 15 hours. Apparent cervical softening in all cases, and subjectively and objectively recognisable labour in two cases, were observed after the treatment. Elevation of both E and F prostaglandins was noted after the treatment (P<0•05). Stretching of the cervix appears to induce secretion of both prostaglandins E and F from the cervix, which in turn seem to be involved in the cervical softening and initiation of labour.