Contents of Mineral Components in the Placenta and Their Effect on Birth Parameters of Neonates

The health condition and nutritional status of a pregnant woman have a significant influence on the growth and development of her placenta and the fetus. Mineral components are indispensable for the correct growth and development of a fetus. The study described in this work aimed to determine contents of selected mineral components in placenta tissue and to establish their effect on birth parameters of a neonate. Study results demonstrated that the age of mothers affected contents of Ca and Mn in the placenta, whereas their habit of tobacco smoking in the gestational period affected contents of Ca, P, K, Mg, Fe, and Cu in the placental tissue. It was also shown that high contents of K (Me 2049 mg/kg) and Fe (128.4 mg/kg) in the placental tissue contributed to the correct birth length reached by the neonates (46-54 cm). A significant correlation found between contents of selected minerals in the placenta and anthropometric parameters of neonates points to the necessity of continuing research on the factors which affect contents of these elements in biological tissues as well as their impact on the health status of neonates.