Abstract
The effects of maternal metabolic acidosis on fetal acid-base balance have been studied by comparing the P<sub>co<sub>2</sub></sub>, pH, and bicarbonate levels in maternal, fetal, and newborn human blood plasma. Observations have been made without superimposed maternal acidosis during and following the slow infusion of ammonium chloride and during and following more rapid infusion. The results demonstrate that maternal metabolic acidosis is not necessarily accompanied by fetal or neonatal metabolic acidosis. Despite significant reductions in the maternal plasma HCO<sup>−</sup><sub>3</sub> and pH, the fetal levels remain relatively unchanged. As the maternal pH falls, the usual transplacental pH gradient is virtually eliminated.
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