What is Sodium?
Sodium, most commonly referred to as salt, is present in all human blood samples. A healthy amount of sodium is needed for the body to function properly, but too much sodium or too little sodium can lead to negative side effects, including death.
High or low sodium levels do not provide a medical diagnosis, but it can reinforce other test results. Low levels of sodium can be associated with diuretics, dehydration or Addison’s disease. High sodium levels are often associated with diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, fluid loss and excessive intake of sodium.
Pregnancy levels of sodium tend to be slightly lower than those measured when the patient is not pregnant.
Normal Value Range
- Negative Pregnancy Adult: 136 to 146 mEq/L or 136 to 146 mmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester One: 133 to 148 mEq/L or 133 to 148 mmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Two: 129 to 148 mEq/L or 129 to 148 mmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Three: 130 to 148 mEq/L or 130 to 148 mmol/L