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HYPOXIA IN PREGNANCY

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 June 2012

FELICITY PLAAT*
Affiliation:
Imperial College School of Medicine and NHS Healthcare Trust, Queen Charlotte's Hospital, London
LINDSAY ARRANDALE
Affiliation:
Imperial College School of Medicine and NHS Healthcare Trust, Queen Charlotte's Hospital, London
*
Felicity Plaat, Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, Queen Charlotte's Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom. Email: Felicity.plaat@imperial.nhs.uk

Extract

Hypoxia in pregnancy is rare, however the anatomical and physiological changes associated with pregnancy may exacerbate hypoxia and hypoxaemia arising from pathological processes.

In this review we seek to briefly outline the well recognised changes to the maternal airway and respiratory anatomy and physiology. We will discuss a hierarchical approach to the tests used in differential diagnoses, summarise the physical principles behind commonly used tests and identify pitfalls and considerations in their use in the obstetric population. Some of the more commonly seen pathological states that may cause hypoxia in pregnancy will be discussed.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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