Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) is a key indicator of fetal lung maturity, particularly in the context of pregnancies affected by diabetes. As gestation progresses, the production of surfactant increases, which is essential for reducing surface tension in the alveoli and preventing atelectasis (collapse of the lungs) at birth.

In diabetic mothers, the presence of PG in the amniotic fluid signals that the fetal lungs are adequately mature and producing surfactant, which is crucial for the infant's ability to breathe independently immediately after birth. The increase of surfactant components like PG correlates with the development of adequate pulmonary surfactant systems, making the functionality of the lungs more reliable.

In clinical practice, the ratio of lecithin to sphingomyelin is often examined as a measure of lung maturity, but it is the presence of PG specifically that is particularly predictive in these cases. Therefore, the identification of PG is significant as it allows healthcare professionals to assess the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in neonates, guiding clinical management and intervention.