Respiratory alkalosis is often experienced during pregnancy, due to progesterone

Question

Respiratory alkalosis is often experienced during pregnancy, due to progesterone driven hyperventilation. Ms Smith is pregnant and training for the Rio Olympics. She experiences greater respiratory alkalosis than normal and this causes her baby to experience periods of hypoxia. With reference to respiratory and acid base physiology, oxygen delivery to the fetus, and the double Bohr and Haldane effects, discuss why the fetus may be hypoxic sometimes during Ms Smith’s periods of respiratory alkalosis.

Explanation / Answer

Respiratory Alkalosis worsen fetal oxygenation by reducing uterine blood flow and this leads to hypoxia in fetus.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse R
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.