ABSTRACT
Development of effective means to prevent or reduce the occurrence of preterm delivery depends upon the understanding of the conditions that initiate labor. Successful labor is dependent upon forceful uterine contractions, and softening and dilation of the cervix. It is widely accepted that pharmacological control of uterine contractility, and cervix function would allow better management of patients who are in premature labor, or even in term labor.1 However, to develop a rational approach to the control of either uterine activity or cervical changes associated with labor, a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms which regulate uterine contractility and cervical connective tissue is important. Paramount for the appropriate management of labor is the ability to correctly identify true versus false labor. No clinical methods currently exist to objectively evaluate the state and function of the uterus or cervix during pregnancy.
