Maternal plasma proteins, magnesium, zinc and copper concentration at term associated with birth size in Kuwait.

Abstract

The study was carried out on Arab women who were admitted for delivery to Al-Sabah Hospital in Kuwait. The concentration of maternal serum proteins and magnesium was not correlated to infant birth size. The zinc and copper concentration in maternal serum at term was positively correlated to infant birthweight, length and head circumference. The results suggested the possibility that the mothers in the present study had a marginal zinc and copper nutriture, which when combined the hemodilution due to pregnancy led to serum levels inadequate to supply the requirement of the fast growing fetus.