The effect of zinc supplementation in delayed preterm delivery and biometric of neonates suspected with pretermdelivery in mothers suspected of having a preterm delivery

Background and aims: Micronutrient deficiency in women of reproductive age is considered as a major health problem in many developingcountries. Therefore, it is important to prevent micronutrient shortage before pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn)supplementation on delaying preterm delivery and biometric neonates with suspected preterm birth.Methods: In this semi-experimental study, ۱۴۰ women with preterm delivery were selected by a gynecologist in the Hajar hospital ofShahrekord University of Medical Sciences in ۲۰۱۶. The women were divided into four groups. Then, the serum Zn level of the mother’sblood and the umbilical cord was measured First group had a normal level; Zn level in the second group was between ۵۰-۷۰ mg/dL; inthe third group between ۲۰-۵۰ mg/dL; and in the fourth group fewer than ۲۰ mg/dL. Three groups received <۲۰-۷۰ mg/dL oral Zn and thenormal group was given a placebo. Next, the serum Zn levels of mothers were measured and recorded at the end of the eighth month anddelivery time. Infant anthropometric parameters at birth, ۱ month to ۳ months were measured as well. Overall, ۷۱ (۵۰%) and ۶۹ (۴۹.۳%)infants were males and females, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical statistics tests.Results: The average age of ۱۴۰ pregnant women was ۳۰.۳۹ ± ۵.۳۳ years old and their age range was between ۱۸ and ۴۱ years. In addition,the maternal Zn serum level was ۵۶.۵۲ ± ۳۳.۳۸ mg/dL on admission and the serum level on the cord blood at birth was ۵۳.۲۲ ± ۶۶.۹۴ μg/dL. A significant relationship was reported between the level of serum Zn on cord blood and the maternal serum Zn level on admissionwith growth in babies at birth and the first, second, and third month (P < ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: In general, Zn is effective in children’s growth and the use of Zn supplementation can be suggested during pregnancy.