Publication:

Evaluation of maternal serum vitamin D levels and their correlation with adverse perinatal outcomes: a prospective study

Background Vitamin D, a fat-soluble prohormone, is critical for calcium absorption, immune regulation, and placental development. In pregnancy, its role extends beyond skeletal health to vascular regulation and fetal growth. Increasing evidence links hypovitaminosis D with complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and adverse neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate maternal serum vitamin D levels during the third trimester of pregnancy and assess their correlation with maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods A prospective observational study was conducted on 150 antenatal women beyond 28 weeks of gestation at a tertiary care centre in Himachal Pradesh, India, between January and December 2023. Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured and women were classified as deficient (<20 ng/ml), insufficient (20–29 ng/ml), or sufficient (≥30 ng/ml). Maternal outcomes studied included preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and preterm delivery. Neonatal outcomes studied were low birth weight (LBW) and NICU admissions. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25 with a significance level set at p<0.05.

Results Vitamin D deficiency was found in 68% of women. Deficient women had significantly higher rates of preeclampsia (21.5% versus 6.3%, p=0.01), GDM (18.6% versus 4.2%, p=0.008), and LBW babies (27.4% versus 10.4%, p=0.01). NICU admission rates were also higher among deficient women (23.5% versus 8.3%, p=0.02). Preterm birth did not show a significant association.

Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among Indian pregnant women and is significantly correlated with maternal complications and adverse perinatal outcomes. Routine screening and supplementation may improve pregnancy outcomes.