Third-trimester arterial blood gas and acid base values in normal pregnancy at moderate altitude

Abstract

Arterial blood gas and acid base values are not altered by maternal position in the late third trimester of pregnancy. The PaO2 in these women studied at moderate altitude was lower than previously reported for healthy pregnant women studied at sea level. Appropriate interpretation of arterial blood specimens of pregnant women should take into account both the pregnancy and altitude at which the women reside.