Comparing The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
In pregnancy, the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role for the equilibrium of salt and water in mother and child. All components of the RAAS are altered during pregnancy (1, 2). Renin concentrations are elevated due to extra-renal secretion in decidua and ovaries through estrogen stimulation (2). An increase in angiotensinogen production in the liver is observed in pregnant women. By contrast, the angiotensin-converting enzyme is reduced. These changes result in an elevation in aldosterone and angiotensin II (ANGII) levels (3). Increased aldosterone secretion is also a physiological response to sodium loss in response to high progesterone concentrations, a competitive inhibitor of aldosterone at the renal tubulus