Final answer:
A fetus's dependency on maternal glucose can lead to ketosis and ketoacidosis in the mother, resulting in decreased blood pH levels and a reduction in milk production.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a fetus relies on maternal glucose, this leads to ketosis in the mother. During pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, the demand for glucose is doubled, which means that the mother's body potentially overproduces ketone bodies, leading to ketoacidosis. This condition is characterized by a significant decrease in blood pH levels and a reduction in milk production, known as milk fever, particularly in lactating mothers with multiple babies. Furthermore, hormonal changes triggered by the pituitary gland, such as increased thyrotropin, prolactin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), amplify the mother's metabolic rate, which could further affect glucose levels and energy usage.