Rezumat: It is widely accepted that uterine contractions are
generated
by the electrical activity of myometrial
cells. Early in gestation, this electrical activity is low
and becomes more intense and synchronized later in
pregnancy, peaking at term. Actual technology allows
recording and characterizing electromyographic signals,
using electrodes placed on the abdominal surface.
This is a noninvasive technique, electrohysterograpy
(EMG), which can be used to monitor human uterine
electrical events. In clinical settings, it could help
the clinician to differentiate uterine contractions
that will lead to delivery, premature or at term, from
physiological uterine activity. As the key of preterm
labor is prevention and treatment, EMG could be an
important tool to use for this purpose. We are describing
the available techniques and their applications. Cuvinte cheie: electrohysterogram, electromyography, preterm labor, uterine activity.