Role of vitamin D supplementation in burka clad pregnant women and its correlation with feto-maternal outcome-----a study in 450 bedded maternity hospital of walled city of Delhi

Objective:Estimation of vitamin D level at term pregnancy and role of vitamin D supplementation on feto-maternal outcome in burka clad pregnant women. Methods: 200 burka clad pregnant women of 12-16 weeks gestationattending antenatal clinic in Kasturba Hospital, Delhi, were selected. They were randomly assigned into two groups that is study group and control group. Study group comprised of 100 pregnant burka clad women who received vitamin D supplementation in form of oral cholecalciferol sachet 60,000IU in 5th, 6th and 7th month of gestation along with routine iron, FA and calcium supplementation. Control group comprised of 100 pregnant burka clad women who only received routine iron, FA and calcium supplementation. At term pregnancy vitamin D levels were estimated in both groups by xpress ELISA kit and role of vitamin D supplementation in burka clad pregnant women and feto-maternal outcome of the two groups were compared. Results: Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was associated with increased circulating 25(OH) vitamin D levels at term.Vitamin D supplementation reduces the incidence of pre-eclampsia and low birth weight neonates. Incidence of GDM, preterm birth, cesarean section, NICU admission, tetany in newborn was not in?uenced by vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion: At present, vitamin D supplementation is not a part of antenatal care programs in India. For recommendations concerning routine vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy; further clinical trials are required with larger sample size.