| Objective. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient during pregnancy due to rapid growth of bone development in the fetus. It is hypothesized that low levels of maternal serum 25(OH)D lead to a disruption of neonatal calcium absorption and affect intrauterine growth, premature labor, maternal blood pressure, newborn birth weight; and possibly potentiate an increased risk of cesarean delivery, and an increased risk of newborn complications. Current levels of vitamin D are inadequate in most areas of the United States with certain populations experiencing a further risk of deficit. Data Sources. CINAHL, PubMED, Medline, Proquest, Google Scholar, and UpToDate were used for reviewing the literature. Study Selection: In this review, past and current studies were reviewed to support or refute the explored hypothesis. Data Extraction. No official data extraction tools were implemented in this review. Data Synthesis: To date there is an inadequacy of large randomized studies to support vitamin D as a factor in adverse birth outcomes; however, there is enough evidence to support supplementation during pregnancy and in the newborn period for the prevention of osteomalacia and rickets. Conclusions. As more research is done involving pregnant women, recommended 25(OH)D levels and the amount of vitamin D supplementation will become clear for patients and practitioners.;Key search words/terms. Key search words were: vitamin D, birth outcomes, preeclampsia, pregnancy, rickets, cesarean section, ultraviolet radiation, UVB, sunlight and calciferol. |
