Relation between glucose, insulin, and growth hormone in the fetus during labor and at delivery.

Maternal, fetal and umbilical blood glucose, insulin, and human growth hormone (HGH) levels were measured to determine their relation during labor and at delivery. There was a positive correlation between fetal glucose and HGH, as well as between the fetal insulin and HGH values. Higher birthweights were associated with lower umbilical venous HGH and higher insulin levels. Thus, the balance between insulin and growth hormone might be involved in the regulation of fetal growth.