What is pregnancy-associated osteoporosis?
Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis is believed to be a rare condition that is usually found in the third trimester of a woman’s pregnancy or after giving birth. It usually occurs during a woman’s first pregnancy, is temporary, and does not happen again. Women affected usually complain of back pain, have a loss of height, and have vertebral fractures. As of 1996, there had been 80 cases of this condition reported. Researchers do not know if this condition occurs as a result of pregnancy or because of other health problems the woman had. Things that may cause this condition, such as genetic factors or steroid use, are being studied. Even though there is stress on a pregnant woman’s calcium supply, and calcium leaves her body more often because of frequent urination, other changes during pregnancy, like increases in estrogen and weight gain, may actually help bone density. There is much more to be learned about how a woman’s bone density is affected by pregnancy.
