Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Pregnancy
Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Pregnancy
To evaluate the maternal blood concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) during the
 second and third trimesters of a normal pregnancy. We will attempt to define a normal range
 for pregnancy and any outliers that may serve as markers for abnormal cardiovascular
 physiology.
The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a useful marker for volume overload, increased filling
 pressures and stretching of the myocardium. The current literature contains limited and
 unreliable information regarding normal BNP values in pregnancy. After baseline
 echocardiogram to detect individuals with asymptomatic structural defects, the participants
 will submit to 3 blood draws during the second and third trimester and at delivery to
 determine normal pregnancy values.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  women age 18 to 40

 -  second trimester of pregnancy

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  known cardiac or valvular disease,

 -  atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmia,

 -  pulmonary hypertension,

 -  chronic hypertension,

 -  hypertensive disorders of pregnancy,

 -  morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kg/meter squared)

 -  history of sleep apnea

 -  multiple gestation

 -  known renal dysfunction

 -  medications known to affect cardiac function

 -  current or past abnormal echocardiogram