I. The Relationship between the Blood Levels of Glucose, Lactic Acid and Pyruvic Acid in the Mother and in both Umbilical Vessels of the Healthy Fetus

Abstract

The levels of lactic, pyruvic acids and glucose were determined in maternal and umbilical blood at the moment of birth. The increasing blood glucose level in the mother [human] during delivery has a direct effect on the level in the fetoplacental circulation and on glucose utilization by the fetus. The levels of pyruvic and lactic acids also rise in the maternal blood during delivery and thus directly affect the levels in the umbilical vessels. Protracted uterine work interferes with these relationships. The origin of the increased level of lactate in the fetoplacental circulation is discussed.