Basic Mechanisms Controlling Term and Preterm Birth

The mechanisms that initiate labour (i. e. , the conversion of the quies- cent uterus to an active and reactive organ at term) are poorly under- stood. Of considerable importance are the factors that control preterm labour and preterm birth, with their devastating effects on society. This problem is the leading obstetrical issue. Preterm labour affects ap- proximately 10% of all pregnant women (even higher numbers are re- Abb. I. The participants of the workshop VI Preface ported for less developed countries or where prenatal healthcare is a low priority) and it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality of babies. Current practices to arrest preterm labour, once initiated, are in- effective. In addition, procedures to stimulate labour and dilate the cer- vix at term may not be used effectively. On October 19th - 21 st, 1992, a Schering Foundation Workshop took place in Berlin to discuss the "e;Basic Mechanisms Controlling Term and Preterm Labour"e;. Leading scientists from Europe and North America were assembled to consider the fundamental systems which regulate the uterus and cervix during pregnancy. The topics in the sym- posium ranged from key cellular events governing uterine contractility and cervical dilatation during labour to clinical advances and applica- tions. This book contains the proceedings of the workshop. We were pleased to have been part of the workshop and to have been responsible for its organization.