Uterine blood flow and oxygen consumption in pregnant sheep and goats

Abstract

This report deals with the volume of maternal blood flow to the pregnant uterus of the sheep and goat. Studies were made in 2 nonpregnant animals and in 20 pregnant animals at known stages of gestation. Measurements of uterine blood flow were made using nitrous oxide according to the Fick principle. The results indicate that in the nonpregnant uterus the blood flow is approximately 25 ml/min. It increases to approximately 200 ml/min. at the 80th day of gestation and exceeds 1000 ml/min. near the end of the 150-day gestation period of these animals. Data are also included for calculation of uterine O2 consumption. The findings with regard to uterine blood flow and O2 consumption are discussed in relation to previous findings in human beings and in rabbits.