Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
07:34

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System

Published on: May 5, 2018

Maternal and fetal influences on blood pressure

C M Law1, D J Barker, A R Bull

  • 1Medical Research Council, University of Southhampton.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Childhood blood pressure is influenced by fetal growth factors like birth weight and placental size. Maternal factors, such as low hemoglobin levels during pregnancy, also impact a child's blood pressure, suggesting potential for early hypertension prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Obstetrics
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Childhood blood pressure is a predictor of adult hypertension.
  • Intrauterine factors may influence long-term cardiovascular health.
  • Understanding fetal growth patterns is crucial for identifying hypertension risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate maternal and fetal determinants of blood pressure in 4-year-old children.
  • To correlate birth measurements and maternal health with childhood systolic pressure.
  • To explore potential for primary prevention of hypertension through intrauterine interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Home visits for blood pressure and growth measurements in 405 children aged 4 years.
  • Abstraction of pregnancy, delivery, and infant data from obstetric records.
  • Statistical analysis correlating fetal growth parameters and maternal hemoglobin with child's blood pressure.

Main Results:

  • Child's systolic pressure inversely correlated with birth weight and positively with placental weight.
  • Lower head circumference-to-length ratio and ponderal index at birth were associated with higher systolic pressure.
  • Children of mothers with hemoglobin <100g/l during pregnancy had significantly higher systolic pressures.

Conclusions:

  • Fetal growth patterns associated with adult hypertension are also linked to higher blood pressure in young children.
  • Maternal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy are a significant factor in childhood blood pressure.
  • Identifying and modifying intrauterine influences on fetal growth may offer a pathway for primary hypertension prevention.

More Related Videos

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation06:56

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation

Published on: January 7, 2021

Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas05:31

Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas

Published on: January 26, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Hormonal Regulation01:33

Hormonal Regulation

The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
Blood Pressure01:30

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure or force of blood exerted on the artery's walls as it circulates through the body. It is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Blood Pressure01:24

Blood Pressure

The movement of blood in a human body, commonly referred to as blood flow, is determined by the volume of blood that traverses a certain section of the bodily system per unit time. It is the rhythmic contraction of the heart's ventricles that primarily instigates this movement. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced into the prominent arteries, which then flow from areas of greater pressure to lower pressure areas. This movement continues into smaller arteries and arterioles and...
Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...