The role of fetal membranes during gestation, at term, and preterm labor: Fetal membranes role during pregnancy

Nina Truong; Lauren Richardson; Ramkumar Menon

doi:10.54844/prm.2022.0296

Authors

Nina Truong The John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA
Lauren Richardson Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA
Ramkumar Menon Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54844/prm.2022.0296

Keywords:

amnion, chorion, membrane integrity, preterm rupture of the membrane, labor signaling

Abstract

During pregnancy, the fetal membranes (i.e., amniochorionic membranes) surround the intrauterine cavity and provide mechanical, immune, and endocrine support to protect the fetus. Though they are a vital component of the intrauterine cavity, the fetal membranes are largely overlooked as an extension of the placenta, leading to a poor understanding of their role during gestation, parturition, or preterm birth. The fetal membranes are comprised of fetal cellular and stromal layers and line up with maternal decidua forming the feto-maternal interface during pregnancy. This interface plays a large role during pregnancy and the induction of term or preterm parturition (e.g., labor). Here we summarize the function of the fetal membranes focusing on their role during gestation at term, and during preterm births.

Author Biographies

Nina Truong, The John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA

Lauren Richardson, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA

Ramkumar Menon, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston 77555, TX, USA

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