The force required to rupture fetal membranes paradoxically increases with acute in vitro repeated stretching

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute repetitive stretching causes fetal membranes (FM) weakening. Study design Cesarean or vaginally delivered FM were repeatedly stretched and thereafter subjected to rupture testing. Rupture strength (RS), work to rupture (WR), and stif...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 2007-02, Vol.196 (2), p.165.e1-165.e7
Main Authors: Pandey, Vishal, MD, Jaremko, Kellie, BS, Moore, Robert M., MS, Mercer, Brian M., MD, Stetzer, Bradley, DO, Kumar, Deepak, MD, Fox, Jennifer M., BS, Mansour, Joseph M., PhD, Moore, John J., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amnion
Biological and medical sciences
choriodecidua
Extraembryonic Membranes - injuries
Extraembryonic Membranes - physiology
Female
fetal membrane physical properties
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
In Vitro Techniques
Medical sciences
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pregnancy
Rupture
rupture of the fetal membranes
stretch induced weakening
Tensile Strength
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Summary:Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute repetitive stretching causes fetal membranes (FM) weakening. Study design Cesarean or vaginally delivered FM were repeatedly stretched and thereafter subjected to rupture testing. Rupture strength (RS), work to rupture (WR), and stiffness were determined. Unstretched FM were compared with stretched FM. Results In the cesarean group, FM stretched to 50% or 75% of the baseline (unstretched) RS for 10-20 cycles of 10 seconds each paradoxically showed increased RS and stiffness. WR decreased compared with baseline. Detailed analysis revealed that even a single stretch cycle initiated these changes to physical properties. Vaginally delivered FM showed similar changes in physical properties, as did separated amnion. Conclusion Acute stretch forces do not directly cause FM weakening.
ISSN:0002-9378
1097-6868
DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2006.10.861