Investigating the Dual Role of Trace and Heavy Metals in Pregnancy-Related Health Outcomes

This study investigates the levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, As) and trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe) in pregnant women and examines their associations with adverse pregnancy-related clinical parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 pregnant women at Thasala Hospital, Thailand, from January to July 2023. Blood samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and correlations were assessed using Spearman's rank-order correlation and coefficient tests. Iron showed the highest concentration among trace elements (751.78 ± 120.45 mg/L), followed by zinc (11.89 ± 2.12 mg/L) and copper (2.91 ± 0.68 mg/L). Among heavy metals, lead had the highest concentration (0.06 ± 0.02 mg/L), followed by chromium (0.03 ± 0.01 mg/L), with arsenic and cadmium being lowest. Significant associations were identified between metal exposure and key clinical parameters including hematocrit, blood plasma glucose, and urine glucose levels (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that environmental exposure to both essential and toxic elements during pregnancy, even at low to moderate levels, may influence maternal health and highlight the need for preventive public health strategies within prenatal care programs.