Vitamin D Deficiency and Pregnancy Outcome: A longitudinal Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin responsible for increasing the absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and multiple other biological effects. Deficiency of vitamin D is a common global problem, especially in females. It is naturally produced by the body on exposure to sunlight. Deficiency of vitamin D in pregnancy predisposes to pre-eclampsia, GDM, preterm birth to the mother, hypocalcemic tetany, low birth weight, and congenital rickets in the fetus. In general, 10 mg (400 units) of vitamin D are recommended for all pregnant women per day. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the OBGY department of MGM Medical College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, between August 2022 to August 2023. A complete procedure was explained to all the second-trimester pregnant women willing to participate in this study, and informed written consent was obtained from them. Their detailed history was taken and subjected to an estimation of 25 hydroxyvitamin D and serum calcium. Results: A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is found (81%). In teenage pregnancy, the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency is higher. In our study, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in rural areas thanurban areas. It was more in the Muslim population. A sedentary life is prone to vitamin D deficiency. The incidence of GDM, preeclampsia, and low birth weight was significantly lower in tested and treated patients. Empirical vitamin D supplementation should be given to each pregnant patient.

Keywords: GDM, Preeclampsia, prevalence, teenage pregnancy, low birth weight.