An adequate nutrient and substrate supply is essential for normal intrauterine development
of the fetus. Disturbances in uterine blood supply are associated with higher perinatal
morbidity and mortality caused by preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia or intrauterine growth
restriction. Adaptation of the uterine vasculature to the rising needs of the fetus occurs
through both vasodilation and development of new vessels. Angiogenesis is the process of
neovascularization from pre-existing blood vessels in response to hypoxia or substrate …