Circadian rhythm in bladder volumes in the term human fetus.

Circadian rhythms have been identified in a variety of maternal and fetal biophysical and endocrinologic parameters. The authors have undertaken a 24-hour study to identify the normal variation in fetal bladder volumes in the healthy, term human fetus. A significant decrease in fetal bladder volumes occurred between 2400 hours and 0600 hours when compared with other times of the day. It is suggested that this fall in fetal bladder volumes may be related to fetal cardiovascular or adrenal gland function.