birth is associated with a huge surge in circulating catecholamines which is probably responsible for the early postnatal rise in free fatty acids and glucagon concentrations in plasma . beta-blocking drugs such as propranolol have an adverse effect on fetal growth and neonatal metabolism , being responsible for hypoglycemia and for impairing the thermogenic response to cold exposure . beta-mimetic drugs are commonly used to prevent premature labour and may help the fetus in other ways , for example , by improving the placental blood supply and the delivery of nutrients by increasing maternal fat and carbohydrate mobilization .
C0017687
glucagon
C0020615
hypoglycemia