Abstract

Introduction: Micronutrients deficiency is one of the basic problems of community health in many developed countries. Children and pregnant women are at greater risk. This study was performed with aim to investigate the relationship between micronutrients of zinc, iron, selenium and folic acid in active and inactive pregnant women with their neonates� physical development. Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed on All pregnant women 16-35 years old, admitted to Mashhad government hospitals for birth control in 2012-13. 5 cc blood samples were taken and sent to specialized laboratory. Maternal physical activity was measured by Shark Activity questionnaire. After the birth of newborns, by referring to the medical records of mothers, their neonates� height, weight and head circumference was obtained. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software (version 11.5). PResults: There was a significant correlation between the zinc concentration of inactive mothers and neonates� weight (r=0.52, p=0.02), but no relation was found between height and head circumference of newborns with micronutrients of Iron and folic acid and selenium in active and inactive mothers (P>0.05). Growth factors of newborns of active mothers were higher than inactive mothers, although the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.1). Conclusion: The zinc micronutrient can be effective on the increase of neonates� weight. Also active mothers have babies with better growth factor. © 2015, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All Rights Reserved.