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Updated: May 20, 2026

Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
Published on: March 14, 2013
Maternal carbon dioxide level during labor and its possible effect on fetal cerebral oxygenation: mini review
Takuji Tomimatsu1, Aiko Kakigano, Kazuya Mimura
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan. tomimatsu@gyne.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
During pregnancy, and especially during labor, the maternal carbon dioxide level declines considerably. Maternal carbon dioxide levels show a close relation with fetal carbon dioxide levels. The latter affects fetal cerebral oxygenation by regulating cerebral blood flow and shifting the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve. In addition, maternal hypocapnia appears to impair placental oxygen transfer. Thus, maternal hyperventilation may interfere with optimal fetal cerebral oxygenation. Here, we provide a brief overview of the literature relevant to this issue.
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