Abstract
Peripheral capillary microscopy and blood rheology where used to investigate circulatory changes during normal pregnancy. The first part of the investigation was designed as a cross-sectional study in which capillary morphology and blood flow in the first (n = 24) and third trimester (n = 15) of pregnancy was compared with non-pregnant controls (n = 15). In the second part a longitudinal comparison of capillaroscopic and hemorheological findings throughout pregnancy was performed in 12 women with four measurements at 10-week intervals. In addition, in this group hemorheological measurements were carried out. Both the cross-sectional as well as the longitudinal group showed a significant increase in capillary blood flow velocity which was already present in the first trimester. Throughout pregnancy a gradual enlargement of the pericapillar papilla was seen, reflecting water retention in the interstitial tissue. At low shear rates a significant increase in viscosity was found at the end of pregnancy both in whole blood and at a standardized hematocrit of 45%. Capillaroscopy appears to be an appropriate method to study circulatory changes throughout pregnancy and its value as a diagnostic tool to detect early pathological developments is the objective of a future investigation.
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