Changes in energetic profile of pregnant ewes in relation with the composition of the fetal fluids

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the energetic profile of fetal fluids and to make comparisons of the concentrations of the constituents present with those in the maternal plasma.MethodsA study was conducted in 102 gravid sheep uteri. The four stages of gestation as Stage I (0–60 days), Stage II (61–90 days), Stage III (91–120 days) and Stage IV (121–145 days) were identified based on the crown anus length of the embryo/fetus. The amniotic and allantoic fluids collected from the gravid uteri of each group were subjected to biochemical analysis of glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride.ResultsThe levels of glucose and triglyceride in maternal plasma were lower (P < 0.05) on late pregnancy as well as in amniotic and allantoic fluids. No significant variation (P > 0.05) of plasma cholesterol levels was detected between the sampling periods. Contrariwise, cholesterol concentrations of fetal fluids were higher in Stages III and IV of pregnancy when compared with the Stages I and II.ConclusionsThe influence of pregnancy on the biochemical composition of fetal fluids was statistically significant