In this study, the investigators will follow two small cohorts of pregnant women: a cohort of healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies residing at high altitude, a control group of healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies residing at sea level, to characterize differences in cardiopulmonary adaptation and nitric oxide (NO) pathway expression at elevations \>3,500 m throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period. The investigators aim to investigate right-sided cardiac impairment induced by chronic hypobaric hypoxemia, its effects on fetal growth, and the potential contribution of cardiovascular nitric oxide depletion to obstetric complications.
women delivering at participating hospitals at more than 3500 meters or women delivering at participating hospitals at sea level
signed informed consent
preexisting cardiopulmonary pathologies (CHD, COPD, CKD, NYHA > III)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead sponsor