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Circulatory changes in the fetal aorta after maternal smoking
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Maternal smoking of one cigarette significantly increases fetal heart rate and central circulation. However, fetal peripheral resistance remains unchanged after this acute exposure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Fetal Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Maternal smoking is a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- The acute effects of maternal smoking on fetal cardiovascular function require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute cardiovascular responses of the human fetus to maternal smoking of a single cigarette.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy pregnant women participated in the study.
- Maternal plasma nicotine levels were measured.
- Fetal heart rate was monitored.
- Fetal descending aorta blood flow velocity waveforms were analyzed using real-time ultrasonography and pulsed Doppler techniques.
Main Results:
- Maternal smoking led to a significant increase in maternal plasma nicotine concentration.
- Fetal heart rate significantly increased post-smoking.
- The least diastolic blood velocity in the fetal descending aorta showed a significant increase.
- Pulsatility index decreased initially but normalized by 10 minutes.
- The rising slope of the velocity waveform increased significantly between 10-20 minutes post-smoking.
Conclusions:
- Maternal smoking of one cigarette acutely increases fetal central circulation.
- Fetal peripheral resistance is not significantly altered by acute maternal smoking.