Assessment of some nutritional blood parameters during pregnancy at southern Abobo hospital (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Pregnancy is a dynamic and anabolic state. It consists of a series of continuous physiological adjustments with the formation of a new endocrine organ which is the placenta; it secretes hormones that can affect the metabolism of all foods.1 These adjustments in nutrient metabolism, in addition to changes in the anatomy and physiology of the mother, support growth and fetal development while maintaining maternal homeostasis. These adjustments can vary considerably from one woman to another according to the diet.1 During this period, the demand for energy, maternal and fetal food is increased. For wellnourished women, only little additional energy is required, because the body adapts to increased energy needs.2,3 Indeed, it is known that nutrition and maternal health have an impact on the well-being of the foetus and predict the health of the child.4 Thus, nutritional status during pregnancy can partially influence outcome of pregnancy and birth.5 It is therefore important to detect early nutritional dysfunction, so that women food consumption can be improved. To do this, it is possible to evaluate some substances present in tissues and fluids. These substances, called biomarkers, are considered bio-indicators. These are biological specimens, objectively measured and evaluated as indicators of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, markers of exposure to a substance and its metabolism.6,7 Biomarkers may also reflect the characteristics of the host. They are used in a broad sense to include almost any measure that reflects an interaction between a biological system and a chemical, physical or biological product of the environment.6 Dietary deficiency during pregnancy can cause delay in fetal development, premature delivery, low birth weight, fetal distress and maternal deaths during pregnancy, during or after delivery8–11 Pregnancy is therefore associated with a significant medical, nutritional, social and economic risk for mothers and their infants. Despite this, relatively little is known about the nutritional status of populations.12 Studies on the nutritional status of the mother are rare and cannot be transposed from one country to another. In Côte d’Ivoire, the nutritional status of pregnant women has been the subject of only a few studies dealing with nutritional status in relation to micronutrient stores, particularly metabolic iron.13–19 The objective of this study is to measure and evaluate some blood nutritional biomarkers of pregnant women attending Abobo Hospital in order to appreciate their nutritional status in different stages of pregnancy.