Open AccessThe “Pregnancy Zone” Protein and Fetal Welfare
Author(s) -
Beckman G.,
Schoultz B.,
Stigbrand T.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016347409156889
Subject(s) - medicine , pregnancy , fetus , gestational age , birth weight , obstetrics , abortion , gestation , parity (physics) , fetal weight , gynecology , biology , genetics , physics , particle physics
. The “pregnancy zone” protein (PZ) was demonstrated in the sera of 311 out of 350 pregnant women at term (88.9%). The lack of demonstrable PZ was studied in relation to parameters reflecting fetal maturity (birth weight, placental weight and gestational age). Birth weight was significantly lower among infants of women lacking PZ, while for placental weight and gestational age no significant correlation was found with PZ. Furthermore no apparent correlation was found between the lack of PZ in maternal serum and maternal age, parity and previous abortion. The results indicate that lack of PZ in the serum of pregnant women at term is a normal phenomenon compatible with normal pregnancy.