To determine the prevalence of vitamin D among pregnant women and its impact on feto- maternal outcome

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent in all parts of the world. Pregnant women and neonates are highly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D among pregnant women and its impact on feto maternal outcome. Methods: This was an observational study conducted in a government teaching  hospital located in Patna,Bihar, India fromJanuary 2019 to March 2020. Total 100 pregnant women aged 18-40 years old with gestational age >28 weeks were included in this study. Blood sample was taken during routine blood collection at the first prenatal check-up. Reliable serum vitamin D was measured in the extra blood sample using an enzyme immunoassay method. Results: 100 pregnant women with aged 18-40 year participate in the study. Among study subjects 44% were multigravidae and 56% were primigravidae. All women recruited for the study were >32 weeks gestation. It was found that 52% had insufficient Serum 25(OH) D concentrations and 16% were deficient for Vitamin D.The lowest 25(OH) D concentrations (insufficient levels) were found in those with only 1-2 hours of sun exposure (60%), and 50% had deficient levels. Highest concentrations (12.5%) were found in those with 2-4 hours of sun exposure. It was found that 67% of women studied took regular calcium supplementation throughout pregnancy.There were no significant association between 25(OH) D concentrations and maternal outcome. While 89% with normal vitamin D levels had no complications, 81.25% with deficient levels were uncomplicated. However, among women with hypovitaminosis D, 20.19% developed PIH, 19.71% had pre term birth & 3.84% developed GDM. Conclusion: Treatment of vitamin D deficient women and vitamin D supplementation is safe and is recommended for all women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Keywords: Vitamin D, Pregnancy, Low birth weight, Preeclampsia, Preterm, GDM.