Exploring the Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Cross-sectional Study in Tertiary Care Center in Northern India

Background: Maternal vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health concern worldwide, with its deficiency being common across all continents and ethnic groups.It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including immune modulation, placental development, insulin regulation, and vascular health.This study aims to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women and its association with maternal and neonatal outcomes in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at SMS&R, Greater Noida, from August 2022 to March 2024.A total of 194 pregnant women aged 19-39 years, admitted to the labor room with gestational ages between 28 and 42 weeks, were included.Exclusion criteria involved chronic illnesses affecting vitamin D metabolism.Maternal vitamin D levels were categorized as deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (21-29 ng/mL), and sufficient (30 ng/mL).Outcomes assessed included gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm labor, mode of delivery, neonatal birth weight, APGAR scores, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with statistical tests including Chi-square, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation. Results:The study revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (61.3%) among pregnant women, while 25.3% had insufficient levels and only 13.4% had sufficient levels.No significant association was found between vitamin D deficiency and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (p = 0.66), GDM (p = 0.58), mode of delivery (p = 0.84), or neonatal NICU admissions (p = 0.95).However, a statistically significant association was observed between vitamin D deficiency and preterm labor (p = 0.03) and low neonatal birth weight (p < 0.01).The mean birth weight of neonates of vitamin D-deficient mothers was 2.66 0.49 kg compared to 2.87 0.39 kg in the insufficient group and 2.94 0.37 kg in the sufficient group. Conclusion:The study highlights a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in Northern India and its significant association with preterm labor and low neonatal birth weight.While no correlation was found with other maternal complications, these findings emphasize the potential impact of hypovitaminosis D on neonatal health.Routine screening and supplementation strategies should be considered to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.Clinical significance: This study highlights the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women and its association with adverse neonatal outcomes.While routine screening for vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is not yet standard practice, early detection and supplementation may help reduce pregnancy complications and improve neonatal health.