Lower Maternal Hemoglobin Levels Associated with higher Fetal and Placental Growth

A recent study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics uncovered a crucial link between maternal hemoglobin levels and fetal growth. The study encompassed a total of 759 mother-child pairs to explore the important relationships between maternal dietary micronutrient intakes and various health outcomes for both mother and child.

The major focus of the research was on the influence of dietary micronutrients like the iron, folate and vitamin B12 on the maternal hemoglobin levels and their impact on fetal abdominal circumference (AC) with estimated fetal weight (EFW) growth trajectories. Despite deficient intakes of iron and folate throughout all trimesters, the findings revealed that maternal hemoglobin levels remained within the normal range at both 13- and 28-weeks' gestation.

This study discovered that lower maternal hemoglobin concentrations at 28 weeks’ gestation were associated with accelerated rates of fetal growth, leading to larger placental weights and birthweights. Despite the dietary intakes of iron, folate and vitamin B12 showed no direct link with fetal growth trajectories, placental weight or birthweight, the study suggests that the observed relationship between maternal hemoglobin levels and accelerated fetal and placental growth may be attributed to increased intake of maternal iron and hemoglobin by rapidly growing fetuses. Also, placental biochemical responses to reduced oxygen states were identified as potential contributing factors.

The outcomes of this study have significant implications for maternal health and prenatal care by emphasizing the importance of monitoring and maintaining optimal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy. The comprehensive approach of ROLO study highlights the intricate interplay between maternal nutrition, hemoglobin levels and fetal development and further research can facilitate potential advancements in prenatal healthcare strategies.

Source:

Rooney, D. J., Conway, M., O’Keeffe, L. M., McDonnell, C. M., Bartels, H. C., Yelverton, C., Segurado, R., Mehegan, J., & McAuliffe, F. M. (2023). Dietary intakes of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 during pregnancy and correlation with maternal hemoglobin and fetal growth: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 309(1), 183–193. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-023-06916-x