Maternal periconceptional biochemical and hematological parameters, vitamin profiles and pregnancy outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate periconceptional maternal biochemical and hematological parameters and vitamin profiles in relation to the risk of early pregnancy loss and birth weight.


METHODS
Prospective longitudinal study.


METHODS
University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Maria and Elisabeth Hospitals, Tilburg, and Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.


METHODS
A cohort of 240 women recruited before pregnancy.


METHODS
Blood samples were taken preconceptional and at 6 and 10 weeks amenorrhea in which the concentrations of hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinin, uric acid, total protein, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, and the concentrations of retinol, tocopherol, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate, cobalamin and folate were analyzed.


METHODS
Risk of early pregnancy loss and birth weight.


RESULTS
The risk of early pregnancy loss increased with increasing prepregnancy weight, and when the periconceptional decline in hematocrit, creatinin and uric acid was less profound (slope: P<0.01). Maternal smoking was negatively associated with birth weight (mean reduction of 183 g, P<0.05). Maternal age and prepregnancy weight were positively associated with birth weight (P<0.01). No significant associations were found between vitamin concentrations and risk of early pregnancy loss or birth weight.


CONCLUSIONS
Several periconceptional biochemical parameters are significantly associated with early pregnancy loss. The effects of maternal periconceptional health on embryonic development and subsequent pregnancy outcome should be further explored.


BACKGROUND
Dutch Prevention fund, grants no. 28.1358 and 28.1006.
de Weerd
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Steegers-Theunissen
R P M
RP
de Boo
T M
TM
Thomas
C M G
CM
Steegers
E A P
EA
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D009752:Nutritional Status / Q000502:physiology; D016742:Preconception Care; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood; D014815:Vitamins / Q000097:blood*
D015415:Biomarkers; D001798:Blood Proteins; D014815:Vitamins; D014527:Uric Acid; D003404:Creatinine