Overview and aims:

Recent studies suggested that low vitamin D levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, cesarean section, preterm birth, and low birthweight. This study aims to investigate the association between first trimester vitamin D status and pregnancy outcomes.

Study design,

Population and Methods: A prospective observational study was performed including women with vitamin D measurement in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Results:

One hundred and eighty five pregnant women were recruited. There were 141 (76,2%) women who revealed low levels of vitamin D. With regards to pregnancy outcomes, there was no significant association between vitamin D status and preeclampsia, cesarean section, preterm birth, and low birthweight. Low vitamin D level was associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio, 0.876, CI 0.789-0.972; p=0.013).

Conclusions:

A high prevalence of low vitamin D levels among pregnant women in the first trimester was seen in the Portuguese population. Low vitamin D level in the first trimester of pregnancy was a predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus.

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