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MOTHERHOOD AND OSTEOPOROSIS

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the fetus’s calcium requirements increase, leading to physiological adaptations in the woman to meet these needs. Specifically, pregnancy increases intestinal calcium absorption, and breastfeeding, because breast milk is derived from the mother’s own skeleton, increases bone resorption.

After weaning, physiological mechanisms restore bone calcium levels, recovering its mineral content and strength. However, some women develop osteoporosis, which can lead to fragility fractures—generally in the third trimester of pregnancy and the first few months postpartum, with the vertebrae and hip being the most affected areas.

Delayed or nonexistent diagnosis is common.

THE CAUSES

Its true incidence among pregnant women is still unknown and the causes are unclear, but it is believed to be related to:

Low BMD (Bone Mineral Density) prior to pregnancy

Prolonged bed rest during pregnancy for medical reasons

Osteopenic treatments such as corticosteroids or heparin

Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or intestinal malabsorption

Genetic factors

Mothers then face a double challenge: the inability to care for themselves and the difficulties in caring for their newborn due to pain.

THE SYMPTOMS

In most cases, no symptoms appear until the first fracture occurs. Women notice a sudden, sharp, intense pain in the hip or back, which worsens with movement and eventually makes it difficult to lead a normal life.

The symptoms are often underestimated, as they are mistakenly attributed to other musculoskeletal or psychological disorders. This is why delayed or missed diagnoses are common.

Mothers then face a double challenge: the inability to care for themselves and the difficulties in caring for their newborn due to pain, which can become chronic and cause disability.

Remember that prevention and medical checkups are key to detecting osteoporosis early. If you need help, the OAFI Solidarity Clinic t is at your disposal.

CONSTRUYENDO UN FUTURO SÓLIDO: PREVENCIÓN Y DIAGNÓSTICO PRECOZ DE LA OSTEOPOROSIS

TESTIMONIO DE SANDRA TORIL