A new study out today in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology says a weak electrical current inhibits uterine contractions. But don't go sticking your fingers in any sockets; so far it's only been tested in rats and rabbits:
They found that this therapy cut intrauterine pressure by 80 percent and dramatically delayed the birth of rat pups, particularly when given directly. In rabbits, electrical inhibition reduced intrauterine pressure by 48 percent.
"This study supports the hypothesis that a weak electrical current can inhibit preterm and term uterine contractions," the authors state. "Whether electrical inhibition will be as effective in the human in the prevention of preterm birth remains to be seen."
If it does this is good news for women with chronic pre-term labor issues. Bedrest, as I can attest, blows.
Categories: pregnancy, labor, preterm, birth, electricity, study, medical
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