Relationship between Maternal Vitamin-D deficiency and serum Calcium level with Primary Caesarean Section and Postpartum Hemorrhage

Author(s): Dr. Mortuza Begum, Dr.Srabani Barua, Dr. Anowara Begum, Dr. Fahmida Islam Chowdhury, Dr. Most. Zeenat Rehena, Dr Rozina Ahmed, Dr. Adnan Bacha

Introduction:

Maternal nutrition, particularly Vitamin-D and calcium levels, plays a crucial role in pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal Vitamin-D deficiency and serum calcium levels with primary Cesarean section (C-section) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods:

In this cross-sectional observational study, 110 pregnant women from Chattogram Medical College Hospital and other private hospitals in Chattogram were assessed from January 2022 to December 2023. Data were collected on demographics, obstetric history, and maternal health, focusing on Vitamin-D and calcium supplementation, delivery methods, and neonatal outcomes.

Result:

The participant group, predominantly aged 20-29 (61.82%) and housewives (57.27%), showed diverse educational backgrounds with 31.82% being illiterate. Nearly half were nulliparous (46.36%), with most pregnancies planned (69.09%). Overweight was prevalent (42.73%), and irregular calcium supplementation (74.55%) was common, while only 14.55% regularly took Vitamin D supplements. Vaginal deliveries were predominant (69.09%), with 20.00% experiencing PPH. Neonatal asphyxia was the most common complication (22.73%). A significant Vitamin D deficiency (65.45%) was observed, correlating positively with PPH (r = .322, p = 0.002) and negatively with neonatal complications (r = -.233, p = 0.026).

Conclusion:

The study underscores the significant role of maternal Vitamin-D levels in the incidence of PPH and highlights the need for focused nutritional counseling and supplementation in prenatal care to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.