Glomerular Filtration Rate in Normal Pregnancy and Early Postpartum Period

Abstract

The glomerular filtration rate was estimated[long dash]in 25 healthy pregnant women and in 9 healthy, recently delivered women[long dash]by the endogenous creatinine clearance method. The principles of this method, and its possible fallacies and advantages, are discussed. The rise in the GFR during the 1st and 2nd trimesters of normal pregnancy was confirmed, as was its elevation during the last trimester and early postpartum period. The possible mechanisms of the raised GFR are discussed.