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Am J Perinatol 2010; 27(4): 325-326
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241731
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Comparison of Electromyographic Recordings during Labor in Women with an Anterior or Posterior Placenta

Isobel Mc Dermott1 , Eamonn Breslin2 , George Saade3 , Robert Garfield3 , Steve Thornton2
  • 1CLRN West Midlands, University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
  • 2Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, and University Hospitals of Coventry, Coventry, United Kingdom
  • 3University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 October 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

We sought to determine whether placental implantation site affects electromyographic (EMG) recordings of uterine activity in labor. We performed a prospective study of women randomly selected on admission to labor ward. There were acceptable recordings in 36 women, 18 in both the posterior and anterior placenta groups. There were 12 unacceptable recordings. This was mainly due to poor electrode contact. There was no difference in amplitude, frequency, activity integral, total activity integral, or power density in either group. EMG can be used to quantify uterine activity irrespective of placental position.

KEYWORDS

Electromyography - labor - contractions - placental site - oxytocinase

REFERENCES

  • 1 Buhimschi C, Boyle M B, Garfield R E. Electrical activity of the human uterus during pregnancy as recorded from the abdominal surface.  Obstet Gynecol. 1997;  90 102-111
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  • 2 Kavsek G, Pajntar M, Leskosek B. Electromyographic activity of the uterus above the placental implantation site.  Gynecol Obstet Invest. 1999;  48 81-84
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Dr. Eamonn BreslinM.B.Ch.B. 

Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry

CV4 7AL, United Kingdom

Email: e.breslin@warwick.ac.uk

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