The Effect of Diazepam on Maternal and Fetal Stress Responses in the Sheep

Abstract
The effects of diazepam on maternal and fetal responscs to stress were studied in 10 chronically instrumented pregnant ewes subjected to painful stimulation by clamping an earlobe. During stress there was a significant increase in arterial pressure, heart rate and uterine activity while uterine blood flow decreased. At the same time, cortisol levels in the maternal plasma incrcased two- to threefold and thc fetal heart rate and Pa02 decreased significantly. Both maternal and fetal responses to the stress were attenuated by the intravenous administration of diazepam (0.2 mg/kg) to the mother.