The Micronutrient Levels in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Assessment of the Neonatal Outcome: A Pilot Study

Context: During pregnancy, an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is recommended, to prevent the occurrence of adverse effects in the mother and the foetus. Aim: In our study, we aimed to study the levels of the micronutrients like iron, zinc and copper in the third trimester of pregnancy and to assess the neonatal outcome in them. Material and Methods: Fifty pregnant women who were aged 2030 years, who had completed 24 weeks of gestation, who were on regular antenatal checkups, were included. The collected venous blood samples were used for the estimation of haemoglobin, serum ferritin, zinc and copper. They were followed up till their deliveries and the neonatal outcomes were noted. The gestational ages, weight of the babies, the lengths of the babies and their head circumferences and any complications which had occurred during and after the deliveries, were noted in the proforma. Results: The serum ferritin levels did not significantly correlate with the other study parameters. The zinc levels decreased with an increase in the parity (p<0.05). The copper levels decreased with an increase in the BMI (p<0.05). With an increase in haemoglobin, there was an increase in the levels of zinc and ferritin (p<0.05). With an increase in the parity, there was a decrease in the neonatal birth weight. Conclusion: Our study clearly brought out a correlation between the microminerals such as iron, zinc and copper during late pregnancies. An improvement in the iron status brings out a positive effect on the ferritin and zinc levels, thus indicating better outcomes of the pregnancies.