What pH value is expected in the maternal uterine artery blood?

The expected pH value in the maternal uterine artery blood is typically around 7.40, which reflects a normal physiological range. This value is crucial for maintaining proper function in the maternal-fetal exchange system.

A pH of 7.40 in uterine artery blood indicates optimal conditions for oxygen transport and carbon dioxide elimination. The maternal blood pH mirrors that of the fetal blood since the placenta facilitates the exchange of gases and nutrients between maternal and fetal circulation. In normal non-pregnant adults, arterial blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45; during pregnancy, the pH may slightly skew towards a more alkaline state due to physiological changes, such as increased respiratory rate and altered bicarbonate levels, but it generally remains centered around 7.40.

Values outside this normal range—such as 7.34, which indicates acidosis, or higher values like 7.45 and 7.50, suggesting alkalosis—are not typical in the maternal uterine artery, as they could point to underlying complications or imbalances that might affect both the mother and the fetus. Thus, understanding the standard pH range contributes to effective monitoring of maternal health and fetal well-being during pregnancy.