Journal article

Publication year: 1999

Pages: 354-359

Journal: Der Gynäkologe

Volume number: 32

Issue number: 5

ISSN: 0017-5994

eISSN: 1433-0393

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
An adequate increase of uterine blood flow throughout gestation is essential for uterine, placental and fetal growth. Maternal cardiovascular adaptation has to provide the uterine perfusion that is necessary to meet the requirements of the developing and growing fetus by providing transport of nutrients and oxygen to the placenta and the fetus. Thus uterine blood flow is inextricably linked to fetal growth and survival. Reductions of uterine blood flow can occur under acute or chronic conditions or in a combination of both. Chronic reductions of uterine blood flow can be observed in pregnancy induced hyertension (PIH), diabetes mellitus in pregnancy and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Chronic restrictions in uterine blood flow will elicit a placental and fetal response in the form of growth adaptation to the reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients to the conceptus. If compensatory growth restriction reaches its limits intrauterine fetal distress can ensue.

Harvard Citation style: Lang, U., Künzel, W. and Clark, K. (1999) Uterine perfusion and fetal growth, Der Gynäkologe, 32(5), pp. 354-359

APA Citation style: Lang, U., Künzel, W., & Clark, K. (1999). Uterine perfusion and fetal growth. Der Gynäkologe. 32(5), 354-359.