Related Experiment Videos
Bed rest and other determinants of bone loss during pregnancy
Joanne H E Promislow1, Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Margaret Schramm
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. promisl1@niehs.nih.gov
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate patterns of bone loss during pregnancy and potential influences.
Study Design:
This was a prospective study of 181 women receiving prenatal care at Magee-Womens Hospital or its auxiliary clinics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, between 1992 and 1995. Bone mineral density was measured at approximately 16 and 36 weeks' gestation.
Results:
Trabecular, but not cortical, bone loss occurred during pregnancy. Mean ultra-distal bone mineral density loss was 1.9% (95% CI 1.2-2.5) during the 20-week period. Women prescribed bed rest had an adjusted mean loss of 4.6% compared with 1.5% for women not prescribed bed rest ( P = .001) and 6-fold higher odds ( P = .001) of bone loss > or =5% during the 20-week period. Nulliparity, calcium intake < 2 000 mg/day, low weight gain, and maternal age < 21 or >30 years were more modestly associated with greater bone loss.
Conclusion:
Substantial trabecular bone loss may occur during pregnancy, particularly in women prescribed bed rest. Study of postpartum bone recovery in such women is needed.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone Remodeling
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling