Association Of Vitamin D With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in India with 70-100% prevalence in the general population. This study investigated the association between serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Objectives: To assess vitamin D levels during pregnancy and evaluate the association of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: This observational study was conducted at 7 Air Force Hospital, Kanpur from August-December 2023. 200 consecutive patients presenting to labour room for delivery were tested for serum vitamin D levels using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Participants were assessed for gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, primary cesarean section, fetal growth restriction, and NICU admissions. Outcomes were stratified according to vitamin D levels (Normal: >30ng/ml, Insufficient: 20-30ng/ml, Deficient: <20ng/ml). Results: Among 200 participants (mean age 25.90 years), only 21% had normal vitamin D levels, while 20.5% were deficient and 58.5% were insufficient. The incidence of gestational diabetes was 13% and pregnancy-induced hypertension was 17%. No statistically significant associations were found between vitamin D levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes (p=1.000), pregnancy-induced hypertension (p=0.4529-0.6028), mean birth weight (p=0.8314), or serum calcium levels (p=0.7364). NICU admissions, preterm births, and primary cesarean sections showed no significant correlation with vitamin D status. Conclusion: Despite high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (79%) among pregnant women, no statistically significant association was established with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, considering the beneficial effects and high prevalence of deficiency, routine vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is recommended. Larger multicentric studies are needed to definitively establish these associations.