“…3) Myometrial contractions reduce placental blood flow by constricting arteries as they course through the myometrium (increase R e) and by increasing intervillous space pressure which in turn decreases the perfusion pressure. Since the pressure in the intervillous space is the same as that in the amniotic cavity (Schwarcz, et al, 1967), placental blood flow will vary inversely as the intra-amniotic (intrauterine) pressure (Fig. 6).…”