Episode Details
Back to EpisodesTurning labor on and off: the identification of a trigger: Conversation with Dr. Polina Lishko, PhD, part I
Description
One of the big unknowns in pregnancy, and there are many, is what initiates labor. Researchers point to many different possible triggers, and likely it is some combination of signals from the placenta, the fetus and the mother that kick off productive contractions.
This is a highly sought after bit of information in part because if we knew what initiated labor, maybe, just maybe we could turn it off in teh case of preterm labor. preterm labor is a significant issue in the US. 1 in 10 births are premature. And presently we don't have a successful approach to turning labor off once it's started--which is why my conversation with a researcher today, whose group has identified one of the switches that turns contractions on, is so exciting and inspiring.
To read more about Dr. Lishko's work, you can find her here: https://cellbiology.wustl.edu/people/polina-lishko-phd/