Fetal-Maternal Endocrinology and Parturition

Abstract The successful establishment, maintenance, and completion of pregnancy are essential for human development and survival. A series of structural and physiologic changes in the mother and fetus ensue, including implantation of the developing embryo into the endometrium; its avoidance of immunologic rejection by the maternal immune system; adaptation of the maternal uterus to sustain a pregnancy; and specific changes in maternal physiology to meet the nutritional, metabolic, and physical needs of the growing conceptus. Moreover, the duration of gestation must be optimized to ensure survival of both the mother and fetus. In this chapter, we provide an overview of these stages of pregnancy required to deliver the human newborn at term or lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, and growth restriction.