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Treatment of pregnant mothers with an antidiuretic may correct the lack of amniotic fluid known as oligohydramnios. Researchers administered the antidiuretic vasopressin to pregnant sheep after they had been given lots of water to drink. Mothers experienced a decrease in plasma volume, and fetuses swallowed less fluid and excreted more urine, all of which raised the amount of amniotic fluid by 70% within two days. Vasopressin did not cause maternal blood pressure to drop. Instead maternal systolic pressure increased. Vasopressin was not found to cross the placenta. Red blood cell counts and systolic blood pressure were normal in the fetuses and no swelling was observed, indicating that the fetuses were well hydrated.