In normal pregnancies, fetal plasma glucose concentration is approximately what percent of the maternal concentration?

Enhance your readiness for the MEDNAX Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam. Utilize flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

Multiple Choice

In normal pregnancies, fetal plasma glucose concentration is approximately what percent of the maternal concentration?

Explanation:
Glucose crosses the placenta by diffusion, using transport proteins, so the fetus is exposed to a glucose level that mirrors the maternal level but is slightly lower because fetal tissues are actively taking up and using glucose as it arrives. In normal pregnancies, this results in fetal plasma glucose roughly 70–80% of the maternal concentration. For example, if maternal glucose is around 90 mg/dL, fetal glucose would typically be in the ~63–72 mg/dL range. This buffering by placental diffusion and fetal utilization means the fetal value tracks the maternal value but doesn't reach it exactly.

Glucose crosses the placenta by diffusion, using transport proteins, so the fetus is exposed to a glucose level that mirrors the maternal level but is slightly lower because fetal tissues are actively taking up and using glucose as it arrives. In normal pregnancies, this results in fetal plasma glucose roughly 70–80% of the maternal concentration. For example, if maternal glucose is around 90 mg/dL, fetal glucose would typically be in the ~63–72 mg/dL range. This buffering by placental diffusion and fetal utilization means the fetal value tracks the maternal value but doesn't reach it exactly.

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