Maternal plasma inhibition of prostaglandin synthase during human pregnancy, parturition and the puerperium.

To study the possibility that circulating endogenous inhibitor(s) of prostaglandin synthesis (EIPS) represent a control mechanism for prostaglandin production during human pregnancy and parturition, we have measured maternal plasma EIPS levels serially during pregnancy, labour and the puerperium, and cross-sectionally during the course of labour. No significant trends were detected in relation to pregnancy or parturition. These results do not support a role for maternal plasma EIPS in the control of prostaglandin production during human pregnancy or labour.