VARIATIONS IN SERUM CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS DURING PREGNANCY. III. THE EFFECT ON THE FETAL CIRCULATION

Abstract

3. Evidence is presented from a study of 64 cases to show that the serum Ca and P content of fetal blood is governed by the maternal. With the lowered Ca and P levels frequently encountered in pregnancy there may be insufficient amounts of these materials for optimal fetal development.-4. Analysis of the total ash from pregnant rats showed a 6% loss in Ca and P from the normal controls; the serum Ca dropped 12%. Serum Ca losses thus accompany depletion of body stores, and the fall usually encountered in pregnant humans indicates a drain on the mineral resources of the body. No deviation from the normal was found in the ash or serum of newly delivered rats, or at the end of nursing.