THE TOTAL BODY WATER AND THE WATER TURNOVER IN PREGNANCY STUDIED WITH DEUTERIUM OXIDE AS ISOTOPIC TRACER 1

Abstract

Following the injn. of D2O into the vascular system of the pregnant human, the time necessary to establish an equilibrium does not differ appreciably from the normal non-pregnant. An equilibrium satisfactory for total body water detns. is established within a period of 2-3 hrs. The "late disappearance" constants and turnover rates are within the limits reported for the normal non-pregnant female. Total body water detns. on 6 normal pregnant women are reported at least once for each trimester; there is an absolute rise in total body water and total solids. The water turnover rates for preeclamptic patients are lower than those of normal patients at comparable stages of pregnancy. Hypertensive pregnant patients show inconsistent water turnover rates; these are either faster than normal or within the normal range.