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Fetal and Neonatal Acid-Base Balance in Normal and High-Risk Pregnancies

During Labor and the First Hour of Life

From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Perinatal Biology, LAC/USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California

Abstract

Clinical technics have been used to separate pregnant patients into normal and high-risk groups. Biochemical monitoring revealed that during labor all patients showed a gradual fall in fetal pH and an increase in _PCO₂ and base deficit, especially in the second si of labor and during delivery. These biochemical changes were more marked in high-risk fetuses. At birth and during the first hour of life the neonates of high-risk mothers were more acidotic and recovered more slowly than neonates of normal mothers. It is concluded that the high-risk fetus does not tolerate the stress of labor as well as the normal. Biochemical and biophysical surveillance of the high-risk fetus may provide early warning of impending difficulties so that during labor timely intervention may be instituted.