Abstract: Autophagy is an important life phenomenon with extensive physiological functions. The fundamental function of autophagy is the adaption to starvation, in which cells can survive in the condition of starvation. Therefore, autophagy is a promotion mechanism of cell survival. Autophagy can also contribute to maintaining the homeostasis of cells. Recently, it is revealed that autophagy is related to pregnancy. The autophagy in normal early pregnancy can protect the trophoblast survival, and participate in the regulation of trophoblast differentiation, development, invasion and remodeling  of  maternal spiral arteries. Autophagy also exists in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, which can promote placental development and sustain pregnancy. Additionally, autophagy is implicated in abnormal pregnancies, such as the preeclampsia related to aberrant autophagy, the fetal growth retardation involved in the enhanced autophagy, and the preterm birth related to the decreased autophagy.

Key words: Autophagy, Pregnancy, Pre-eclampsia, Fetal growth retardation, Premature birth