Some Effects of Relaxin in Obstetrics

Abstract

Relaxin apparently has little influence on the uterine contractions of labor whether the labor occurs at term of prematurely. The normal progress of labor cannot be altered by the use of relaxin in the doses and formulations presently employed. Cervical changes which normally precede the onset of labor cannot be artificially produced or stimulated by the use of relaxin. The subjective pain of labor is unaltered by the use of relaxin. The course of toxemia of pregnancy can frequently be favorably influenced by relaxin therapy. Approximately 57% of selected patients treated showed a significant reduction of hypertension. Fetal outcome and renal manifestations of toxemia of pregnancy do not appear to be altered by relaxin therapy.