Comparison of electromyographic recordings during labor in women with an anterior or posterior placenta.

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.
(Thieme Medical Publishers.)