Theories regarding endocrine contributions to the onset of labor

JOGN Nurs. 1978 Sep-Oct;7(5):42-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.1978.tb00773.x.

Abstract

A review of the literature on endocrine factors influencing labor is presented. Treated separately are oxytocin, the prostaglandins, the fetus, and estrogen/progesterone. Implications for nursing practice and theory are discussed where appropriate, and the reader is encouraged to think of parturition as a complex interplay of factors.

MeSH terms

  • Coitus
  • Counseling
  • Estrogens / physiology
  • Female
  • Fetus / physiology
  • Hormones / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Labor Onset*
  • Labor, Obstetric*
  • Male
  • Nurse-Patient Relations
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature
  • Oxytocin / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Progesterone / physiology
  • Prostaglandins / physiology

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Hormones
  • Prostaglandins
  • Progesterone
  • Oxytocin