Purpose of the study: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factor for vitamin D deficiency in our pregnant population.
Method: A total of 418 healthy primigravida with single live pregnancy and sure of dates attending the antenatal clinic between October 2011 and April 2013 were recruited. Women were excluded if they had history of current or past chronic medical disease. Women were also excluded if they had history of medication with drugs interfering with calcium and vitamin D metabolism.
Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has been found to be 391 (93.5 %). Severe vitamin D deficiency among pregnant patients was 34.44 % (144/418). The levels of serum 25(OH)D and serum calcium were significantly lower in severe deficient group than the adequate group [7.10 ± 1.49 vs. 38.90 ± 4.22 ng/ml (p = 0.001) and 7.13 ± 1.41 vs. 9.39 ± 0.88 ng/ml (p = 0.001)], respectively. Maternal education, husband education, socioeconomic status, serum calcium, serum phosphorous, and season were significant factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. Significant independent variables for severe vitamin D deficiency were low serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum phosphorus (OR 39.41, 95 % CI 10.30-150.85, p < 0.01), (OR 18.03, 95 % CI 3.95-82.44, p < 0.01), and (OR 8.40, 95 % CI 2.47-28.61, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Northern India, and these raises concern about the health consequences for the mother and the offspring.
Keywords: Calcium; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Vitamin D.