Effects of undernutrition and exercise during late pregnancy on uterine, fetal and uteroplacental metabolism in the ewe

Abstract

1. Uterine, umbilical and, by difference, uteroplacental net uptakes of oxygen, glucose, lactate and 3-hydroxybutyrate (uterine uptake only) were measured in single-pregnant ewes which were either well-fed throughout, or severely undernourished for 8–20d during late pregnancy. All animals were studied while standing at rest and then while walking on a treadmill at 0.7 m/s on a 10° slope for 60 min. 2. Undemutrition did not significantly affect fetal or placental weights at 143d gestation but caused a 14% decrease in maternal live weight. Uterine blood flow was decreased by 32% and was associated with a significant decrease in uteroplacental oxygen uptake; neither umbilical blood flow nor fet..