Study of intrinsic flow properties at the normal pregnancy second trimester

During normal pregnancy the cardiovascular system undergoes extensive changes. In a previous work we demonstrated the role of the haemorheological profile as predictor of hypertensive gestational disorders through a retrospective study. In an attempt to clarify the rheological characteristics during normal gestation, blood and plasma viscosity, erythrocyte deformability and aggregation, and plasma fibrinogen levels were measured at second trimester of pregnancy. The interrelationships of different haemorheologic parameters, were analysed by Pearson correlation coefficient. The results showed decreased erythrocyte deformability, and increased plasma viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation due to increased fibrinogen in pregnant women. Despite these modifications blood viscosity did not increase, but there was a decrease in relative blood viscosity, therefore, a profile in accordance, from the haemorheological point of view, with the classical concept stating that haemodilution is of the utmost importance to maintain an adequate microcirculation in the uteroplacental unit during normal gestation.