Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis in women with a normal and hypertensive pregnancy

Abstract

Background: An increase in total body water is common in normal pregnancy. It is thought to be an important mechanism of maternal adaptation to pregnancy. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess longitudinal changes in body water compartments in pregnant women and to correlate these measurements with the course of pregnancy. Design: One hundred seventy-three pregnant women with apparently normal, single pregnancies participated in this longitudinal study. Anthropometric measurements and multifrequency bio-electrical impedance were performed during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Results: One hundred three of the women completed all of the measurements; 50 of the women had a normal pregnancy and 13 had gestational hypertension. Total body water, extracellular water, and intracellular water values in normal pregnancies showed a significant, progressive increase throughout pregnancy. In women with gestational hypertension, total body water, extra-cellular water, and intracellular water values showed an opposite trend, suggesting a lack of plasma volume expansion through fluid-retention mechanisms. Conclusions: Our results show that multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis can be used to monitor variations in body water compartments in normal pregnancy and detect gestational hypertension.