Comparison of Vitamin D Levels and Related Factors in Pregnant Women and Neonates Exposed to Second-Hand Smoke

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to second-hand smoke, a significant public health issue today, may lead to various health problems, especially in pregnant women and their infants. Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy may lead to preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in the mother, while it may cause low birth weight and respiratory problems in the infant.Method: The study group consisted of 42 mothers, who smoked regularly, and their infants and 45 mothers (passive smokers), who were regularly exposed to second-hand smoke in their home environment, although they did not smoke, and their infants. Meanwhile, the control group consisted of 46 healthy mothers, who did not smoke and were not exposed to second-hand smoke at home, and their infants with similar gestational age and birth weight. Blood samples were taken as two different samples, from the mother and the baby, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and related blood parameters were studied and compared statistically.Results: 25(OH)D, calcium, and magnesium levels of mothers who smoked were significantly lower than those who were exposed to second-hand smoke and those who did not. Moreover, the vitamin D levels of mothers and babies exposed to second-hand smoke in the non-smoker group were significantly lower than mothers and babies who were not exposed to second-hand smoke. In the babies of these three groups, a significant decrease was observed only in vitamin D levels. Conclusion:The present study shows that pregnant women and their infants exposed to second-hand smoke have lower vitamin D levels. Hence, more emphasis should be put on vitamin D monitoring and supplementation to prevent severe health problems in pregnant women and their infants exposed to tobacco smoke. Further studies are needed to assess the associated risks for maternal and fetal health as well as possible long-term implications for the infant.

Differences in Average Serum Cortisol Levels and Serum 25 Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Preeclampsia and Normal Pregnancy

“…Vitamin D deficiency and smoking are important interrelated factors for hypertension in pregnancy or preeclampsia. Mothers exposed to secondhand smoke had significantly higher systolic, diastolic and proteinuria blood levels (Yıldız et al, 2022).…”

“…Likewise, those women aged 30-34 were about three times more likely to develop preeclampsia than those aged 25-29. Mothers aged >35 years experience changes in their bodies such as impaired aging of organs, decreased kidney function, decreased liver function, increased blood pressure and diabetes mellitus, so the likelihood of finding diseases during pregnancy such as preeclampsia will increase (Yıldız et al, 2022).…”

Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Offspring's Risk for Bone Fracture in Childhood and Adolescence

“…The exposure to smoke has been shown to be a risk factor for low vitamin D levels for the mother and the developing fetus as well. (31,32) On the other hand, the maternal vitamin D insufficiency has been linked to offspring's reduced bone mineral content during childhood. (33) Unfortunately, we did not have information on the vitamin D levels of the mothers.…”

Postpartum Breastfeeding Practices and Attitudes in Parents: A Randomized Study to Evaluate the Effects of Individual and Group Breastfeeding Education of Mothers and Fathers

“…In terms of education, group and individual training are among the most common educational methods used to encourage BF in the antenatal period [ 22 ]. In addition, those who review relevant studies agree that long-term interventions that start in the antenatal period and continue in the postpartum period can yield more positive results [ 20 , 22 , 23 ]. Although there are studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of education given to the mother to increase the effectiveness of BF, there is no educational intervention study given both to prospective mothers and fathers.…”

“…Methods such as face-to-face interviews and telephone counseling have been found to be effective. Various researchers compared telephone counseling and the face-to-face interview method and found evidence that the latter was more effective in increasing BF rates [20][21][22][23]. In terms of education, group and individual training are among the most common educational methods used to encourage BF in the antenatal period [22].…”