Control of Bone Remodeling During Pregnancy

Abstract Bone remodeling adjusts bone architecture to meet changing mechanical needs. It repairs microdamages in bone matrix preventing accumulation of old bone. It also plays an important role in maintaining plasma calcium homeostasis. During pregnancy and lactation, huge calcium demands are imposed on women. The calcium regulating, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D are substantially altered and calcium needs, for fetal skeletogenesis, are met by enhanced intestinal absorption of calcium, decreasing renal losses, and increasing the resorption of calcium from the maternal skeleton. Pregnancy ensues with elevated bone turnover, trabecular bone loss, fall and regain of bone density by 3–10% in the span of few months, to maintain skeletal integrity.