The Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Maternal and Neonatal Health during Pregnancy

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is a reemerging public health issue and is thought to increase the risk of developing complications in pregnancy such as gestational hypertension. Objective: To determine if vitamin D deficiency plays a role in determining whether or not a mother will develop complications of pregnancy and delivery methods. Methods: A chart review of 165 charts was performed and several variables were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Vitamin D deficiency did not play a role in determining whether or not the mother developed a complication or method of delivery but there was a significant difference in vitamin D levels based on age and race. Conclusion: A significant difference in vitamin D levels based on race and age was noted but the sample size was too small to determine if vitamin D deficiency affected delivery method and development of complications during pregnancy. Further research needs to be done.