Bone ultrasonometry measurements during pregnancy

During pregnancy we can have changes of the calcium metabolism that can determine a loss of bone mass. Some studies used single-photon absorptiometry (SPA) or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, but these exams are inadvisable in pregnancy for the teratogenic effects on the fetus. We used quantitative ultrasonometry (QUS). The aim of this study is to determine prospective changes of bone density with an ultrasonometry measurement during pregnancy in healthy Italian women.

The study population was represented by 59 pregnant women. Quantitative ultrasonometry measurements were performed at the phalanges during the first, second and third trimester.

We found a progressive decrease of bone time transmission (BTT) from the first to the third trimester, while amplitude dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS) remained stable between the first and the second trimester and decreased at the term of pregnancy. The z- and t-scores decreased more during the second and third trimester.

These results show an important reduction in the third trimester of pregnancy, of all ultrasonometry variables and then an increase of remodelling with bone demineralisation in the mother. These results show that there is a different bone metabolism in pregnancy in pluriparous and nulliparous women.