Hypoxia – a regulator of uterine contractions in labour? – Susan Wray (p.23)

In this article I will discuss the effects of hypoxia on the uterus: in particular, how hypoxia arises and its relevance to labour and abnormal uterine action, the functional consequences of hypoxia and the mechanisms underlying them. Finally, I want to suggest that uterine contractions are self-limiting because they produce hypoxia, and that this is of benefit to the uterus, foetus and mother.