VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY;

PREVALENCE IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Objective: To study the Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women. Study Design: A Cross-sectional analytical
study through convenient sampling technique. Setting and duration: At a private Clinic located at East Canal Road Faisalabad, from March
2011 to June 2011. Material and method: The study included consecutive 61 pregnant women of reproductive age and non-pregnant women
were excluded. Blood samples were taken in morning i.e. overnight fasting samples, by venepuncture by disposable syringes sample were
taken and samples were stored at -20 degree centigrade till they were analyzed. Our interest was in age and serum Vitamin D 3 levels. Results:
Out of 61 pregnant women results showed that 87.0% pregnant women were having Vitamin D deficiency, 10.0% were having Vitamin D
insufficiency, 3.0% had Vitamin D sufficiency and none shows Vitamin D intoxication. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in pregnant
women of younger age group. Furthermore prevalence was higher among the pregnant mothers with high parity. Moreover, 65% women were
not exposed to sunlight properly, 60% women had muscle cramps and bony aches. 90% women never were tested for tested Vitamin D levels
before. Conclusions: Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is significant in pregnant women. It is also important for its effects on various organs
and systems of body as well as on pregnancy and neonate. The different aspects of study led to conclusion to emphasize that Health education
be imparted to pregnant women and their families in terms of diet, proper sunlight exposure and taking Vitamin D supplements in pregnancy. It is
thus recommended to perform Vitamin D levels in every pregnant woman.