Low Calcium and Hemoglobin Levels in Late Pregnancy Linked to Shorter and Lower-Weight Newborns, Study Finds
Indonesia: A recent study published in the International Journal of Women's Health has revealed a significant correlation between calcium and hemoglobin levels in pregnant women at 35 weeks or later and the anthropometric measurements of their newborns.
The researchers revealed that lower calcium levels (mean: 2.19 mmol/L) and hemoglobin levels (mean: 11.55 g/dL) in pregnant women during the third trimester were linked to shorter newborns, with low hemoglobin levels also being associated with lower birth weight. They observed a positive correlation between maternal calcium and hemoglobin levels and newborn length and weight, highlighting the crucial role of sufficient calcium and iron intake during pregnancy.
Calcium and hemoglobin are vital for fetal growth and development, with calcium supporting bone formation, muscle function, and overall development, while hemoglobin ensures proper oxygen transport to the fetus. Deficiencies in these nutrients during pregnancy can lead to complications, impacting maternal health and fetal growth.
Given the potential consequences of calcium and iron deficiency anemia, including low birth length and weight, Chatrine Aprilia Hendraswari, Program Study of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia, and colleagues aimed to explore the correlation between maternal calcium and hemoglobin levels in the third trimester and the anthropometric measurements of newborns.
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