The induction properties and pharmacokinetics of propofol, 2.5 mg/kg i.v., were studied in twelve unpremedicated healthy pregnant patients at term. The onset of anesthesia was rapid (27.7 +/- 7.3 sec) and the quality of induction, maintenance of and rapid recovery from anesthesia were clinically very acceptable. On the basis of Apgar scores and blood gas analyses of the feto-placental unit, propofol appears to be a safe alternative to other available induction agents. The pharmacokinetics of propofol in pregnant women (n = 8) were described by a high value for total body clearance (mean 2189.6 ml/min) and a short elimination half-life (mean 24.1 min). There was no correlation between the pharmacokinetic parameters determined for propofol and some pharmacodynamic observations during the induction of anesthesia (n = 8), nor was there any correlation between drug levels of propofol in the feto-placental unit and blood-gas tensions and pH values or Apgar scores (n = 12).