The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
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J. Matern. Fetal. Neonatal. Med. · Apr 2006
The effect of continuous morphine administration on maternal plasma oxytocin concentration and uterine contractions after open fetal surgery.
A major complication of open fetal surgery is prematurity. We propose that fetal and maternal stress/pain after surgery may affect the concentration of circulating oxytocin and the frequency of uterine contractions, thus increasing the risk of preterm delivery. The objective of this study was to test whether continuous morphine sulfate administration after open fetal surgery has an effect on maternal plasma oxytocin concentration and the frequency of uterine contractions. ⋯ These data suggest that maternal plasma oxytocin concentration and uterine activity after open fetal surgery may be related to inadequate maternal/fetal analgesia/sedation.