Publication:

Measurement of serum vitamin D levels among the pregnant women

ABSTRACT

Background Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been implicated in adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including preterm labor. However, study on serum vitamin D status among pregnant women remains limited in the local context. This study aimed to assess the serum vitamin D levels among pregnant women presenting in labor and to explore associations with sociodemographic, behavioral, and obstetric factors.

Methods A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Dhaka, from July 2023 to June 2024. A total of 64 pregnant women aged 18-40 years in labor were enrolled, Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were measured using the Atellica IM assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 with significance set at p≤0.05.

Results The mean age of participants was 34.86±9.64 years. Most women were housewives (40.6%) and had completed primary, secondary, or higher secondary education (each 28.1%). Approximately 65.6% were primiparous, 45.3% were at 37-38 weeks of gestation, and 25.0% reported pregnancy complications. While 71.9% received vitamin D supplements, 34.4% had low intake of dairy/fish, and 89.1% had ≤30 minutes of daily sun exposure. The BMI assessment showed 29.7% were overweight and 20.3% obese. Vitamin D insufficiency was observed in 90.6% of participants. Significant associations were found between serum vitamin D levels and parity (p =0.000) as well as gestational age (p =0.000).

Conclusions Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women in labor, particularly in primiparas and those with preterm labor. Findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions and routine vitamin D screening during antenatal care.