Maternal Insufflation during the Second Trimester Equivalent Produces Hypercapnia, Acidosis, and Prolonged Hypoxia in Fetal Sheep

Abstract

Previous studies with near-term sheep determined that carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum produces respiratory acidosis but does not decrease fetal oxygenation. In contrast, the current findings indicate that in the preterm fetus, insufflation-induced hypercapnia and acidosis are accompanied by prolonged fetal hypoxia and cardiovascular depression. This result suggests that additional work should be conducted to confirm the presumed safety of conducting minimally invasive procedures during the second trimester.