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The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiologic consequences of a pneumoperitoneum (pneumo) to the midterm fetus in a pregnant sheep model. The performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) during pregnancy is controversial. The primary concern regarding the safety of LC during pregnancy is the physiologic consequences of the CO₂ pneumo to the fetus. Eight ewes with singlet pregnancies between 100 and 120 days of gestation were anesthetized and intubated. Carotid artery and internal jugular catheters were placed in the ewe and in the fetus. Two trocars were placed through the abdominal wall of the ewe and the abdomen was inflated with CO₂ or N₂O at 15 mmHg pressure for 90–120 min. Hemodynamic and blood gas data were obtained every 15 min before, during, and after the pneumo. In two ewes attempts were made to keep maternal Pco₂ constant with hyperventilation …