# Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Effects on Pregnancy Outcomes

## TL;DR

This study shows that vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women is common in Malaysia and linked to higher risks of pregnancy complications like high blood pressure and preterm birth.

## Contribution

The study identifies a significant association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and adverse pregnancy outcomes in a Malaysian cohort.

## Key findings

- Vitamin D deficiency was present in 64.7% of pregnant women in the study.
- Deficient vitamin D levels were significantly linked to gestational hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, and Group B Streptococcus carriage.
- Vitamin D consumption during pregnancy reduced the risk of hypertensive disorders, Group B Streptococcus infection, and cesarean section.

## Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency remains a global health concern for pregnant women. Adequate vitamin D is vital for optimal fetal development, immune regulation, and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to determine the impact of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy complications among a Malaysian cohort. This was a prospective observational study involving 414 pregnant women. Data was collected using a structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, vitamin D risk factor assessment questions, vitamin D status, and follow up for pregnancy outcomes. Serum vitamin D level was determined using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 64.7%. Participants' daily median total vitamin D intake was 11.2 μg/day which was significantly low compared with the vitamin D recommended nutrient intake (RNI) of the study population. The study found a significant association between vitamin D status and pregnancy complications: gestational hypertensive disorder ( ꭓ2 = 9.024; p = 0.011), preterm birth (ꭓ2 = 8.249; p = 0.016), and Group B Streptococcus carrier (ꭓ2 = 7.379; p = 0.025). Participants who reported vitamin D consumptions during pregnancy had decreased likelihood of gestational hypertensive disorders (aOR = 0.278 (0.08–4.79) 95% CI; p = 0.0001), Group B Streptococcus carriage (aOR = 0.282 (0.08–0.99) 95% CI; p = 0.048), and decreased likelihood of cesarean section (aOR = 0.580 (95% CI: 0.347–0.967); p = 0.037). Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with increased risk of gestational hypertensive disorders, Group B Streptococcus carriage and cesarean section. It can be suggested that maternal vitamin D deficiency might be associated with an increased risk of some adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further interventional research is required to confirm a causal relationship, meanwhile promoting adequate vitamin D status among pregnant women may be beneficial.

Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent among Malaysian pregnant women, with intake below recommended levels. Deficient vitamin D status was significantly associated with gestational hypertensive disorder, preterm birth, Group B Streptococcus carriage, and cesarean section. Vitamin D consumption during pregnancy showed a protective effect against hypertensive disorders, Group B Streptococcus infection, and cesarean section. It can be suggested that maternal vitamin D deficiency might be associated with an increased risk of some adverse pregnancy outcomes.