GLUCOSE AND INSULIN CONCENTRATION IN AMNIOTIC-FLUID AND IN MATERNAL BLOOD IN EARLY AND IN LATE PREGNANCY

Glucose concentration in the amniotic fluid decreases towards the end of gestation, whereas the insulin concentration increases. The ratio between fetal (amniotic fluid) glucose to maternal glucose is reduced by about 50% at the end of pregnancy, whereas the ratio of C peptide is increased four times. The higher glucose concentration in amniotic fluid in early pregnancy could be explained by a lower fetal metabolic rate in the early stage of development and a low insulin activity of the fetus. © 1990.