Plasma protein changes during pregnancy

During the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, the plasma protein concentration reduced as a result of the increased plasma volume. This leads to lowered osmotic pressure contributing to edema of the lower limbs seen in late pregnancy.

Important - 

Plasma protein concentration falls from 7 gm% to 6 gm% due to hemodilusion. This result in diminished viscosity of the blood and reduce colloid osmotic tension because of marked fall in albumin level from 4.3 gm% to 3 gm%, a fall about 30%. And only slight rise of globulin (mainly alpha-globulin).

Plasma protein changes - 

	Non   Pregnant	Pregnancy  Near Term	Changes
Total protein (gm)	180	230	Increased
Plasma protine     concentration               (gm/100ml)	7	6	Decreased
Albumin        (gm/100ml)	4.3	3	Decreased
Globulin      (gm/100ml)	2.7	3	Slightly  Increased
Albumin : Globulin	1.7 : 1	1 : 1	Decreased

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