Children’s Bone Development Linked to Mothers’ Placenta Size

A larger placenta during pregnancy may lead to larger bones in children, according to a study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

Researchers studied 518 children who underwent bone scans at ages 9, 15, and 17. Measurements of thickness, volume, and weight also were taken from their mothers’ placenta. They found that a greater placenta size at birth was associated with larger bones at each age in childhood. This relationship remained robust even after adjusting for factors such as the child’s height, weight, and pubertal status.

Overall, larger bones in early life can lead to larger, stronger bones in older adulthood, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones in later life.