Pregnant Women In Second Trimester Research Articles

Maternal Circulating Nitrite Levels Are Decreased in both Normal Normotensive Pregnancies and Pregnancies with Preeclampsia

Objective: To evaluate whether maternal nitric oxide synthesis in pregnancies with preeclampsia is different from that in normal normotensive pregnancies. Materials: Maternal circulating combined nitrate and nitrite levels or nitrite level were compared between 10 normotensive nonpregnant women, 30 normotensive pregnant women (10 first-trimester, 10 second-trimester, and 10 third-trimester pregnancies), 20 normotensive postpartum women (10 at 1 week after delivery, and 10 at 4 weeks after delivery), and 13 preeclamptic women (32 to 40 weeks’ gestation). End-products of nitric oxide synthesis were measured from maternal venous blood samples using a fluorometric assay. Results: Maternal circulating nitrite levels in nonpregnant women (1.13 ± 0.22 μM) were significantly higher than those in the first-trimester pregnant women (0.68 ± 0.13 μM), second-trimester pregnant women (0.65 ± 0.13 μM), third-trimester pregnant women (0.48 ± 0.17 μM), first puerperal week women (0.36 ± 0.16 μM), and fourth puerperal week women (0.67 ± 0.17 μM), respectively (p < 0.05). Maternal circulating nitrite level was decreased with advancing gestation, still remained low just after delivery, and was increased 4 weeks later. There was no significant difference in maternal circulating nitrite level between preeclamptic women (0.40 ± 0.17 μM) and third-trimester pregnant women (0.48 ± 0.17 μM). However, there were no significant differences in maternal circulating combined nitrate and nitrite levels among the gorups. Conclusion: These results suggest that the maternal nitric oxide synthesis is not changed in normal normotensive pregnancies and pregnancies with preeclampsia. However, plasma nitrite level, which has stronger spasmolytic activity than the activity of the nitrate, was decreased in both normal normotensive pregnancies and pregnancies with preeclampsia.

Quantitative assessment of human leukocyte antigen-G protein in amniotic fluid by a double-determinant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using anti-human leukocyte antigen-G-specific antibody '87G'.

The objective of this study was to establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system, in an attempt to quantify the amount of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G protein in amniotic fluid. We established a double-determinant ELISA system using the anti-HLA-G specific mouse monoclonal antibody '87G' as a capture antibody and the horseradish-peroxidase labeled rabbit anti-human beta2-microglobulin antibody as a detection antibody. We then measured the concentration of HLA-G protein in amniotic fluid samples from nine normal second-trimester pregnant women and in serum samples from eight normal males. HLA-G protein was detected in amniotic fluid at a concentration of 275 ng/ml (197-343 ng/ml) (median value and 95% confident range), whereas the concentration of HLA-G protein in male serum was below the minimum detection level.

Liver function tests in normal pregnancy: A prospective study of 103 pregnant women and 103 matched controls

Except for increased serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels, the changes in liver function test (LFT) values during normal pregnancy have not been clearly established, mainly because most studies do not include matched controls. We therefore measured the serum values of routine liver tests including 5'-nucleotidase and total bile acids in 103 healthy pregnant women (first trimester, n = 34; second trimester, n = 36; third trimester, n = 33) and in 103 age-matched controls not receiving oral contraception. Fasting blood samples were taken. Because of hemodilution, serum albumin levels were significantly lower during all trimesters. As expected, AP activity was significantly higher in the third trimester. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST) activity and total bile acid (TBA) concentrations did not differ between pregnant and nonpregnant women. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) activity was slightly higher in the second-trimester pregnant women than in controls (6.8 +/- 4.5 vs. 8.2 +/- 5.8, P = .04), although all values remained within normal limits. In pregnant women, total and free bilirubin concentrations were significantly lower during all three trimesters, as was conjugated bilirubin during the second and third trimesters. Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity was significantly lower in the second and third trimesters. Serum 5'-nucleotidase activity was slightly but significantly higher in the second and third trimesters. The knowledge of these results is useful for the interpretation of LFT values and the management of liver diseases during pregnancy.

Liver function tests in normal pregnancy: A prospective study of 103 pregnant women and 103 matched controls

Except for increased serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels, the changes in liver function test (LFT) values during normal pregnancy have not been clearly established, mainly because most studies do not include matched controls. We therefore measured the serum values of routine liver tests including 5'-nucleotidase and total bile acids in 103 healthy pregnant women (first trimester, n = 34; second trimester, n = 36; third trimester, n = 33) and in 103 age-matched controls not receiving oral contraception. Fasting blood samples were taken. Because of hemodilution, serum albumin levels were significantly lower during all trimesters. As expected, AP activity was significantly higher in the third trimester. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST) activity and total bile acid (TBA) concentrations did not differ between pregnant and nonpregnant women. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) activity was slightly higher in the second-trimester pregnant women than in controls (6.8 +/- 4.5 vs. 8.2 +/- 5.8, P = .04), although all values remained within normal limits. In pregnant women, total and free bilirubin concentrations were significantly lower during all three trimesters, as was conjugated bilirubin during the second and third trimesters. Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity was significantly lower in the second and third trimesters. Serum 5'-nucleotidase activity was slightly but significantly higher in the second and third trimesters. The knowledge of these results is useful for the interpretation of LFT values and the management of liver diseases during pregnancy. (Hepatology 1996 May;23(5):1030-4)

Prostacyclin attenuates both the pressor and adrenocortical response to angiotensin II in human pregnancy

1. The effects of angiotensin II (ANG II) infusion without and with simultaneous infusion of prostacyclin (PGI2; 1.4 pmol min-1 kg-1; 5 ng min-1 kg-1) have been studied in 16 women in second-trimester pregnancy. Ten received one infusion of ANG II alone, followed by its infusion together with PGI2; the remainder received two identical infusions of ANG II alone as controls. 2. PGI2 administration was associated with a small fall in diastolic pressure (P less than 0.01) and a proportionally greater rise in heart rate (P less than 0.001). Small rises in basal plasma renin and ANG II concentrations and a fall in aldosterone concentration were not statistically significant. 3. The diastolic pressor response to ANG II was blunted during PGI2 infusion by comparison with controls (P less than 0.025); this diminution in response was greatest in patients who had initially been most sensitive to ANG II (P less than 0.02). 4. The evoked increment in plasma aldosterone during ANG II infusion was considerably reduced (P less than 0.005) in the presence of PGI2. 5. These data further support the hypothesis of a role for PGI2 in relation to the blunted pressor response to ANG II of normal pregnancy. The apparent inhibitory effects of PGI2 on aldosterone secretion may partly explain the previously described dissociation between the renin-angiotensin system and aldosterone in pregnancy.

Combining maternal serum α-fetoprotein measurements and age to screen for Down syndrome in pregnant women under age 35

Eight prenatal diagnostic centers in New England enrolled 77,273 second-trimester pregnant women between January 1986 and March 1987 to study prospectively the sensitivity and detection efficiency of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein measurement as a screening test for Down syndrome. The study was limited to women under the age of 35 because it is accepted practice to offer amniocentesis to all women above that age. Based on risk estimates derived from a combination of maternal age and maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein measurement, 4.7% of the study population was initially classified as being at high risk for having a Down syndrome fetus (second-trimester odds for Down syndrome greater than or equal to 1:270). Forty percent of the high-risk population were subsequently placed in the low-risk category, usually because ultrasound findings corrected the gestational dates and caused the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein interpretation to be changed. Seventy-six percent of the 2.7% of women remaining at high risk had amniocentesis; 18 fetuses with Down syndrome and 4 fetuses with trisomy 18 were identified in that group. Overall, one fetus with Down syndrome was detected per 89 amniocenteses, and an estimated 25% of all fetuses with Down syndrome were identified. These data establish the feasibility of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein measurements as a method to screen for Down syndrome and suggest the possibility that such screening might be applicable in women over age 35 as well.

Prostaglandin E2 attenuates the pressor response to angiotensin II in pregnant subjects but not in nonpregnant subjects

The effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 5 microgram/min-1, on the pressor response to exogenous angiotensin II (AII) has been examined in 22 women in second-trimester pregnancy and in 10 nonpregnant control subjects. PGE2 diminished the diastolic pressor response in both groups without altering basal blood pressure. This effect was significant in the pregnant group, and not significant in the nonpregnant patients. The effect was achieved by a significant increase in threshold to AII, rather than an alteration in the slope of the dose-response curve. Five pregnant patients who were given two identical infusion regimes of AII without PGE2 showed no diminution of response. The effect of PGE2 was greatest in the pregnant women who showed greatest initial sensitivity to AII, perhaps suggesting a relative deficiency of E series prostaglandins in some women by midtrimester pregnancy.

Pengaruh Konsumsi Kurma (Phoenix Dactylifera) Terhadap Kenaikan Kadar Hemoglobin Pada Ibu Hamil Trimester Ii Di Wilayah Puskesmas Kediri

Anemia in pregnancy is a national problem because it reflects the value of socio-economic welfare of society, and a very large influence on the quality of human resources. Pregnant anemia called "potential danger to mother and child", because that anemia require serious attention from all parties involved in health care at the forefront. Iron requirements of pregnant women increased so that it takes an additional 700-800 mg, among others, to improve haematopoesis 500 mg, 300 mg for the fetus needs to process haematopoesis during gestation, 200 mg for backup lost due to bleeding postpartum. It takes iron supplements around 30-60 mg per day. Dates contain real sugar in the form of glucose and fructose, rich in protein, fiber, minerals, such as iron, calcium, sodium, and potassium. Dates contained in hormone (potuchsin) are efficacious shrink the blood vessels in the uterus so that helps shrink the uterus and prevent postpartum uterine bleeding . Maturity dates are rich in calcium and iron, important in the formation of breast milk, as well as palm able to increase the quantity of breast milk and breastfeeding infants will have a sharp mind and good character. Levels of iron and calcium can replace the depleted force mother during childbirth or breastfeeding. Iron and calcium are two elective elements that are essential for the formation of blood and bone marrow). This study aimed to influence the consumption of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) against the increase in hemoglobin levels in the second trimester pregnant women. The study design used quasy Experimental Design Non-Equivalent Control Group. The study population of pregnant women in the second trimester Puskesmas Ngadiluwih some 39 people. Samples were taken with quota sampling technique, and as many as 20 second-trimester pregnant women, aged 20-30 years, Hb lightweight category (9-10 g%), keep taking the tablets Fe for the respondents in this study, pregnant women not suffering from the disease / complications due to the disease. Exclusion criteria: the mother is not in place when the research berlangsung.Dari t test results obtained p value 0.245 is greater than alpha (0.05) which means there is no difference between the group dates with the control group. Key words: consumption of dates, levels of hemoglobin, the second trimester pregnant women