fetalkreislaufs

Fetalkreislaufs refers to the fetal circulation, the system of blood flow unique to a fetus during pregnancy. This specialized circulatory pathway is necessary because the fetus's lungs are not yet functional for gas exchange, and its digestive system is not yet prepared for nutrient absorption. Instead, these vital functions are carried out by the placenta, which is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord.

Key components of the fetalkreislaufs include the umbilical vein, which carries oxygenated blood and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus. Within the fetus, a significant portion of this blood bypasses the liver via the ductus venosus and flows directly into the inferior vena cava. The umbilical cord also contains two umbilical arteries that return deoxygenated blood and waste products from the fetus to the placenta.

Another crucial element is the presence of shunts. The foramen ovale is an opening between the right and left atria of the fetal heart, allowing oxygenated blood from the inferior vena cava to flow directly into the left atrium, thus bypassing the pulmonary circulation. The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta, further diverting blood away from the lungs, which are filled with fluid and have high resistance.

Upon birth, the baby's first breaths trigger significant changes. The lungs expand, decreasing resistance in the pulmonary arteries. The umbilical cord is clamped, stopping blood flow through the umbilical vessels. These events lead to the closure of the foramen ovale and the ductus arteriosus, gradually transforming the fetal circulation into the postnatal circulatory system.