Vasodilatation and Fluid Expansion

Pregnancies complicated by IUGR and/or hypertension are associated with a reduced expansion of the maternal intravascular space, a lack of increase in cardiac output in the very early phase of pregnancy and a decreased preload as compared to normal pregnancies. For hypertensive mothers of severely growth-restricted fetuses, the combined therapy of plasma volume expansion (PVE) and vasodilators, such as NO donors, might be beneficial in improving maternal hemodynamics and prolonging pregnancy. This chapter summarizes the current evidence supporting the rationale for further research into this area.