No abstract

The effects of nicotine consumption on uteroplacental blood flow were studied in 20 pregnant women by means of placental blood flow measurements using indium-113m-transferrin. Smokers were found to have a higher rate of poor perfusion patterns than subjects of a control group. In addition, the number of cigarettes smoked daily was significantly correlated with the placental perfusion type. The mean birth weight of infants born by smokers was 250 g lower than in the control group. The results suggest that smoking during pregnancy may compromise uteroplacental blood flow and thus result in poor fetal development.

Abnormal placentation, increased blood loss, low gestational age and maternal age are risk factors for early postpartum hysterectomy.

No abstract

Our data suggest that women undergoing labor induction because of prolonged pregnancy should be sufficiently informed regarding the risks of a cesarean section or a vacuum extraction. Furthermore, the option of elective cesarean section should be considered, particularly in primiparous women with an unfavorable cervix, higher age, and high estimated infant birth weight.