[Therapy of hypotension in pregnancy using norfenefrine hydrochloride with special reference to the effects on fetal circulation--initial observations].

Hypotension in pregnancy represents an often underestimated danger for mother and fetus. Several investigators have described an increased incidence of miscarriages, premature delivery and small for date babies. In a first study 10 pregnant women with hypotension and severe orthostatic dysregulation were treated with norfenefrine hydrochloride (3 x 45 mg p. os/day). To investigate the effects of this therapy we monitored maternal blood pressure, subjective well being, CTG and furthermore fetal circulation by using pulsed doppler sonography. An average 4.2 days of treatment were required for complete alleviation of symptoms. Blood flow volume and resistance-index were determined for the fetal aorta descendens, and were found to be the same as in normal pregnancies. In addition no difference in fetal outcome was seen and there was no occurrence of premature contractions.