Serum calcium and iron in pregnancy

Aim and Objective: To check the serum calcium and iron levels in women during the second trimester of pregnancy. Background: The maternal diet must provide sufficient energy and nutrients to meet the mother's usual requirements, as well as the needs of the growing fetus. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, there are increasing iron demands due to an expanded red cell volume and demands of the developing fetus and placenta. Deficiency of calcium and iron during pregnancy can lead to complications like preeclampsia, preterm labour, increased incidence of cesarean section, intra-uterine growth restriction and even intra-uterine death. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five apparently healthy pregnant women in second trimester and twenty-five apparently healthy non-pregnant women were included in the study. Serum iron and serum calcium estimation were done. Results: Serum iron and serum calcium was found to be significantly decreased in pregnant women in the second trimester. Conclusion: It is necessary that women gets prophylactic calcium and iron supplementation during pregnancy.