Predictive value of Vitamin D levels in pregnant women on gestational length and neonatal weight in China: a population-based retrospective study

Abstract

Background Vitamin D deficiency, a common occurrence among pregnant women, is an emerging public health concern worldwide. According to research, prenatal vitamin D deficiency is associated with various complications. This study assessed the vitamin D status of pregnant women in Yanbian, Jilin Province, as well as the correlation and predictive value of their vitamin D levels in relation to gestational length (weeks) and fetal weight, aiming to provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods We conducted a population-based retrospective study involving 510 pregnant women from August 2019 to October 2022. Blood samples were collected at 16–20 weeks of gestation for the detection of serum vitamin D levels. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 28.0 and R 4.1.0 software. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was employed to establish whether each variable was a risk factor for deliveries at ≤ 38 gestational weeks and low fetal weight. These results were used to construct a risk prediction model, and the model’s predictive efficacy was evaluated. Results or differences with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that vitamin D ≤ 14.7 ng/mL(OR: 1.611; 95% CI: 1.120–2.318; P = 0.010), Bone Mineral Density (BMD) T-value ≤-1(OR: 1.540; 95%CI: 1.067–2.223; P = 0.021), and gestational hypertension(OR: 7.173; 95% CI: 1.482–34.724; P = 0.014) were the independent risk factors for deliveries at ≤ 38 gestational weeks. Additionally, vitamin D ≤ 14.7 ng/mL(OR: 1.610; 95%CI: 1.123–2.307; P = 0.009), BMD T-value ≤ -1(OR: 1.560; 95%CI: 1.085–2.243; P = 0.016), and gestational hypertension(OR: 4.262; 95% CI: 1.058–17.167; P = 0.041) were the independent risk factors for low fetal weight (< 3400 g). Conclusion This study revealed that low vitamin D levels are an independent risk factor for a short gestational length and low fetal weight. Prenatal low BMD T-value and comorbid hypertensive disorders were also found to increase the risk of a short gestational length and low fetal weight.