Spasms of rhythmic, squeezing muscular activity affecting the walls of the uterus during childbirth. Regular contractions indicate the start of labour and increase in strength and frequency throughout the first stage.
(See also Braxton Hicks’ contractions.)... contractions, uterine
Drugs that are used to delay the premature delivery of a fetus. Beta2-adrenoceptor stimulants, such as salbutamol, relax the muscle of the uterus and may postpone labour for days or weeks in at-risk pregnancies of 24–33 weeks’ gestation. Delay of premature labour for up to 48 hours allows time for corticosteroid drugs to be given to the mother to help the fetal lungs to mature.... uterine muscle relaxants
the lower portion of uterus, lying below the loose fold of peritoneum that lies between the uterus and bladder. This does not form until later in pregnancy and is less contractile than the rest of the uterus. A *Caesarean section is performed through the lower segment.... lower uterine segment
a method of embolizing the uterine artery under radiodiagnostic control (see embolization). It has been successful in controlling postpartum haemorrhage and can also be used in treating fibroids, correcting arterial or venous malformations of the genital tract, and terminating abdominal and cervical pregnancies.... uterine artery embolization
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