[The possible role and task of the round ligament in the mechanism of labor]

The following conclusions were drawn from thorough checks of anatomic, histological and clinical data as well as from palpation findings and their statistical evaluation regarding the function of ligamentum rotundum in pregnant uterus: 1. Changes of the round ligament were found to be correlated with the occurrence of various forms of labour insufficiency as well as of abnormal presentation and position. Such pathological conditions would be attributable to developmental anomalies of the round ligament, its instability, and cicatrisation following inflammation and surgery and resulting asymmetrical position of the uterus. --2. Clinical experiences obtained by the author is likely to suggest that pathological position of the round ligament would rule out spontanous labour.