Maternal hypocapnia and fetal hypoxia.

Maternal hypocapnia and fetal hypoxia.

February 12, 2017

Maternal hypocapnia, conversely, may be associated with fetal hypoxia and acidosis.

Try to avoid hyperventilation during general anesthesia!

Three mechanisms have been suggested for this:

maternal hypocapnia (< 25 mmHg) causes uterine and umbilical vessel vasoconstriction;

mechanical hyperventilation increases intrathoracic pressure and reduces venous return as well as cardiac output and thus reduces uteroplacental blood flow;

maternal alkalosis shifts the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve to the left, reducing fetal extraction of oxygen.

maternal hypocapnia, fetal hypoxia,

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