Ultrasonographic bone characteristics during normal pregnancy: Longitudinal and cross-sectional evaluation

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the pattern of bone density during pregnancy by radiation-free ultrasonographic densitometry. STUDY DESIGN: In a longitudinal study we measured bone mineral density in a group of 10 normal primiparous women, from the fourteenth to the thirty-eighth weeks of pregnancy. In a cr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 1995-09, Vol.173 (3), p.890-893
Main Authors: Gambacciani, Marco, Spinetti, Adriana, Gallo, Rosita, Cappagli, Barbara, Teti, Gian Carlo, Facchini, Virgilio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Bone and Bones - diagnostic imaging
Bone Density
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Longitudinal Studies
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous. Technology
Pregnancy
Regression Analysis
Time Factors
Ultrasonic investigative techniques
Ultrasonography
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Summary:OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the pattern of bone density during pregnancy by radiation-free ultrasonographic densitometry. STUDY DESIGN: In a longitudinal study we measured bone mineral density in a group of 10 normal primiparous women, from the fourteenth to the thirty-eighth weeks of pregnancy. In a cross-sectional study bone mineral density was determined in a group of 85 normal primiparous women, in different weeks of pregnancy. RESULTS: In the longitudinal study ultrasonographic bone density was stable in the first part of pregnancy, whereas a significant ( p < 0.05) decrease was evidenced during the third trimester. A negative correlation between bone density and weeks of pregnancy ( p < 0.0001) was evidenced in the cross-sectional study. CONCLUSION: During physiologic pregnancy the calcium mobilization from the maternal bone stores to accomplish the fetal needs can cause a significant decrease in maternal bone density in the last trimester of gestation.
ISSN:0002-9378
1097-6868
DOI:10.1016/0002-9378(95)90361-5