[Good sense and nonsense in tocolysis].

The present paper tries to evaluate the importance of tocolysis with beta-sympathomimetic drugs twenty years after their introduction into obstetrics. Intrauterine resuscitation and short-term tocolysis have proven to be very effective during this period of time. Because of potential side effects long-term tocolysis has to be considered dangerous and apparently not effective. Oral and prophylactic tocolysis are ineffective. When considering prevention of premature delivery one has to be aware of the fact that premature contractions are only ostensible symptoms of a complex event.