ABSTRACT

Calcium is a critical element for the fetus during pregnancy as it has been highlighted in various pathologies associated with fetal growth problems, such as preeclampsia, gestational mellitus diabetes, and intrauterine growth retardation. Most of the calcium is provided by the maternal metabolism that needs to adapt to the exponential fetal needs in calcium and goes through the placenta. The transplacental transport of calcium from the mother to the fetus is a complex process that is tightly regulated and involves numerous proteins. This chapter will focus mainly on the description of these various key players involved in the transport of calcium in the human placenta.