Background: Pregnancy induces a number of physiological changes in the body including changes in bone profile. As the gestational period progresses and the foetus grows, its demand for mineral micronutrients increases inducing changes in the maternal body. Serum bone profile varies according to trimester as gestational period progresses. The study on which this article is based sought to determine changes in bone profile with trimester in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH) and Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Zimbabwe. Method: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted on pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Chitungwiza Central Hospital. A questionnaire was administered and blood samples were collected for analysis of albumin, corrected calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase. Results: A total of 171 pregnant women were recruited into the study. The albumin level showed a significant fall from trimester 1 to 2 (P<0.05) and an insignificant rise from trimester 2 to 3 (P>0.05). Conclusion:This study confirms the previously reported constant serum inorganic phosphate level throughout the gestational period and an increase in alkaline phosphatase with gestational age. Corrected calcium level had a statistically significant increase from the second to the third trimester (P<0.05). This study provided exploratory data on serum bone markers. Further research on more specific bone markers such as DEXA and bone specific alkaline phosphatase is required. A continual check of at risk women is needed to be able to advice on dietary supplementation to prevent premature osteoporosis.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.