Blood circulating changes in the eye and limbs with relation to pregnancy and female sex hormones.

Alterations in corneal indentation pulse (CIP) amplitudes and pulse volume recordings (PVR) on the limbs were demonstrated in pregnant women, indicating that significant changes occur in the peripheral blood circulation during pregnancy. The PVR measured at week 30-36 of gestation demonstrated a significant increase when recorded on the forearm and index finger. In the eye an increase in CIP amplitudes was found early in pregnancy. From week 20 on, however, a steady decrease occurred, until the CIP amplitudes at term averaged about 1/3 of the values from normal, non-pregnant women. Similar changes, although less pronounced, were demonstrated in the ocular blood circulation during oral contraceptive treatment and, to some extent, during menstruation. Intake of gestagens and diaethyl-stilboestrol did not alter the CIP amplitudes.