The concentration of the elements Zn, Cu, Mg, Fe, Na, K in human amniotic fluid during birth.

In order to determine the influence of the course of pregnancy and exogenous factors on the quantitative distribution of the cations sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron in amniotic fluid, these cations were assayed in the amniotic fluid of 197 pregnant women with atom absorption spectrophotometry. There were 124 normal pregnancies, 34 with toxemia, 23 with green amniotic fluid and 15 smokers. The results of sodium, potassium, and magnesium concentrations correspond well with values found by other authors. In contrast, normal mean values for zinc, copper, and iron are different from those published to date. The course of pregnancy and exogenous factors do not influence sodium concentration in the amniotic fluid. Smokers when compared with normal controls showed a significantly increased potassium in green amniotic fluid. Magnesium concentration in green amniotic fluid is also significantly increased. Similarly, values for zinc, copper and iron in pathologic amniotic fluid was significantly above normal means. This corresponds to the significantly decreased in copper and zinc values in blood and serum of newborns and infants in various disease states. The essential elements zinc, copper and magnesium are important both for the course of pregnancy as well as for the development of fetus and newborn. APGAR and others have indicated the importance of the replacement of bioelements, especially zinc, during pregnancy. We also may conclude that during pregnancy essential cations should be determined in serum or better yet in avoid the pathophysiologic consequences of severe cation disturbances in mother and infant by appropriate replacement therapy.