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Changes of hemorheologic properties during normal human pregnancy
K Eguchi1, Y Mitsui, M Yonezawa
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Medical School, Japan.
Asia-Oceania Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Pregnancy alters blood properties, decreasing hematocrit and erythrocyte deformability while increasing fibrinogen. Blood viscosity remains stable, ensuring adequate uteroplacental circulation during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Maternal-fetal Medicine
- Hemodynamics
Background:
- Pregnancy involves significant physiological adaptations.
- Understanding hemorheologic changes is crucial for maternal and fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in hemorheologic properties during pregnancy.
- To assess changes in hematocrit, fibrinogen, blood viscosity, and erythrocyte deformability.
Main Methods:
- Compared 10 nonpregnant women with 10 women in uncomplicated pregnancies.
- Measured hematocrit (Hct), plasma fibrinogen, blood viscosity, and erythrocyte deformability.
Main Results:
- Hematocrit decreased; plasma fibrinogen increased during pregnancy.
- No significant changes in blood viscosity were observed.
- Erythrocyte deformability significantly decreased but normalized postpartum.
Conclusions:
- Hemodilution maintains uteroplacental microcirculation despite increased fibrinogen and reduced erythrocyte deformability.
- These hemorheologic changes are physiological maternal adaptations to support fetal development.