Maternal blood flow and PO2 changes during abdominal decompression treatment of poor intrauterine fetal growth

Maternal blood flow and tcPO2 were measured together with fetal heart rate during decompression treatment of four cases of poor intrauterine fetal growth. Increase in maternal blood flow was recorded when decompression was applied. Maternal tcPO2 and the fetal heart rate were not significantly changed during the treatment sessions. The results indicate that the mechanism of action for better intrauterine growth after treatment is related to increased placental blood flow. The treatment does not exert changes of maternal haemodynamics leading to possible damage for the fetus.