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Prostaglandin F2-alpha (PF2-alpha) in fetal membranes may help induce or sustain maternal labor. PF2-alpha is a compound derived from fatty acids that is thought to stimulate the contraction or smooth uterine muscles. Fetal membranes from 10 cesarean section deliveries and nine vaginal deliveries were used to assess the action of PF2-alpha. PF-2 alpha production was higher on unseparated surfaces of fetal membranes after labor. It was much higher on the maternal side in vaginal deliveries than cesarian deliveries. When the membranes were separated, higher concentrations of PF2-alpha were found in the chorion-decidua than the in the amnion. Metabolites of PF-2 alpha were higher on the fetal side. Prostaglandin metabolism changes in fetal tissues and apparently increases PGF2-alpha production that stimulate uterine muscles and promote labor.