الفهرس 
Introduction and Aim of the workOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 242 |  |  |
| | | from | 242 | | |
Abstract
Aim of the work
To evaluate the role of copper, zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium in preterm labor and PROM.
Conclusion
The low maternal and fetal copper Levels may play a role in PROM either before or at term. The limited availability of copper could be of significant clinical importance in the continuous process of maturation and growth of the connective tissue in pregnancy, resulting in a delayed maturation of collagen with less elastin content.
The high maternal and fetal zinc levels may play a role in initiation of preterm labour.
The low maternal hemoglobin and serum iron may play a role in initiation of preterm labour. Thus we agree with many authors who recommend iron supplementation during pregnancy.
The maternal and fetal hypocalcaemia associated with preterm labour could be considered as a normal physiologic variation, as it is generally that the maternal serum calcium concentration declines progressively minimum at 32 to 36 weeks gestation and then rises there after to term.