Question

discuss the physiological adaptations you would expect to find in foetal hemodynamics and in blood distribution to the various organs of the foetus in response to the fetal Acidosis condition

Answer 1

Fetal acidosis refers to the condition that occurs due to an increase in "toxicity" in the fetal blood causing the fetal blood to become highly acidic. This toxicity may be caused by mutiple factors such as a decrease in oxygen levels and maternal factors like low blood pressure or frequent uterine contractions. Altogether these factors increase the level of hydrogen ions in the fetal blood, making it acidic.

In terms of fetal hemodynamics, physiological adaptions during fetal acidosis are as follows -

• Since the level of H⁺ ions increase, oxygen supply is greatly affected. This can be combatted against by adapting to the low level of oxygen available.
  It has been observed that due to a decrease in oxygen supply, the fetal circulatory system makes certain adaptations and adjustments for the oxygen to be used only by the important organs (such as heart) of the foetus. It does so by decreasing oxygen supply to less important organs (such as lungs) by vasoconstriction. However, this leads to anerobic glycolysis to take place in tissues causing an increase of lactic acid formation.
• During hypoxia, the endocrine system of the foetus also undergoes certain adaptations. Cortisol production is decreased and leptin levels also change.