Significance of amniotic fluid glucose in pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid glucose values were measured in 285 women with normal and abnormal pregnancies. A progressive decrease in glucose values was observed with advancing gestation. Complications in pregnancy did not influence the amniotic fluid glucose value for the given gestational age. In patients with diabetes, very high levels were found, but these progressively decreased with advancing gestation. Since abnormal conditions in pregnancy, other than diabetes, do not affect the amniotic fluid glucose level, it seems to be a reliable tool in assessing fetal maturity. Values above 15 mg/100 ml rule out term pregnancies and those below 5 mg/100 ml, prematurity.