Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

11.9K

High serum lead concentration in the first trimester is associated with an elevated risk of small-for-gestational-age

Hua Wang1, Jun Li2, Jia-Hu Hao3

  • 1Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|July 31, 2017
PubMed

Insights

High lead (Pb) exposure during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births. This risk is particularly elevated with high lead levels in the first trimester.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Reproductive Toxicology
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Gestational exposure to lead (Pb) is a growing concern.
  • Previous studies suggest a link between lead exposure and adverse birth outcomes.
  • The specific impact of lead on small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births requires further investigation, especially in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal serum lead (Pb) concentration during pregnancy and the risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births.
  • To analyze the impact of different lead exposure levels on SGA risk in a Chinese population.
  • To determine if lead exposure in the first trimester poses a specific risk for SGA.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 3125 mother-infant pairs from the China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study (C-ABCS) was analyzed.
  • Maternal serum lead (Pb) concentrations were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS).
  • Participants were categorized into low, medium, and high serum lead groups based on tertile distribution.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in birth length or circumference were observed across lead exposure groups.
  • The rate of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births increased with higher maternal serum lead levels.
  • Elevated SGA risk was associated with medium (OR=1.45) and high (OR=1.69) lead concentrations.
  • High lead levels specifically in the first trimester showed a significant association with increased SGA risk (OR=2.13).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal serum lead (Pb) concentration during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births.
  • High lead exposure, particularly during the first trimester, is a significant risk factor for SGA.
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and reducing lead exposure in pregnant women to improve fetal growth outcomes.

Keywords:
Birth cohort studyInfantsLeadSerumSmall-for-gestational-age

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes03:19

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

814
Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development15:27

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development

Published on: July 13, 2014

15.2K

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
4.3K
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
3.9K
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
698
The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements01:27

The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements

Elements are the smallest units of matter that cannot be broken down further by chemical processes. There are 118 known elements, but not all of these are naturally occurring, and only a few of them are essential for life. Living matter is composed primarily of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other elements like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Other elements are also necessary for life but only in trace amounts.
Periodic Table Provides Information...
23.1K