In a normal sized term fetus, the normal oxygen consumption is approximately?

In a normal sized term fetus, the normal oxygen consumption is approximately?

• A. 7 mL/min
• B. 14 mL/min
• C. 21 mL/min
• D. 32 mL/min

Answer: (C)

Normal oxygen consumption in a term fetus reflects its metabolic needs and the amount of oxygen the placenta can deliver while the fetus extracts it efficiently from the blood. In a typical sized term fetus, this metabolic demand translates to about 21 mL of oxygen consumed per minute. This value fits with the fetus’s relatively small size but high tissue oxygen extraction, meaning a modest overall delivery can support its needs. The smaller numbers would understate fetal metabolism, while the larger one would imply a higher demand than is usual for a term fetus. So, roughly 21 mL/min is the best estimate.

Normal oxygen consumption in a term fetus reflects its metabolic needs and the amount of oxygen the placenta can deliver while the fetus extracts it efficiently from the blood. In a typical sized term fetus, this metabolic demand translates to about 21 mL of oxygen consumed per minute. This value fits with the fetus’s relatively small size but high tissue oxygen extraction, meaning a modest overall delivery can support its needs. The smaller numbers would understate fetal metabolism, while the larger one would imply a higher demand than is usual for a term fetus. So, roughly 21 mL/min is the best estimate.