Abstract: Trace elements, involved in many physiological processes in human body, are important to pregnancy and fetal development. The lack or excess of trace elements can increase the risk of pregnancy complications and affect normal fetal development. For instance, iron deficiency can result in iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), increasing the risk of maternal infection and fetal brain development impairment. Decreased maternal serum zinc level is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-eclampsia (PE), as well as abnormal body and nervous system development of fetus. Maternal exposure to manganese can impair the fetal nervous system development. Low copper concentration in maternal serum is related to a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, fetal growth restriction (FGR), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), etc. Selenium deficiency is also closely associated with an increased risk of GDM and PE, however, excess selenium intake can lead to increased lipid level in umbilical cord blood. Reviewing the effects of trace elements on pregnancy and fetal development can devote a great deal of clinical significance to avoiding the pregnancy risk and promoting fetal normal development as well.

Key words: Trace elements, Pregnant women, Embryonic development, Pregnancy complications, Pregnancy outcome