The effects of vitamin deficiencies in the first trimester on pregnancy outcomes

Abstract

Adequate maternal nutrition is crucial for pregnancy and fetal growth, and thereby influences pregnancy outcome. In this study, we investigate the relationship between certain vitamin levels of first trimester pregnancy and its maternal-fetal outcomes. This retrospective study was conducted between January 2020 and July 2020 by evaluating data drawn from the hospital database. Serum vitamin B12, 25OH-vitamin D, folic acid and ferritin levels were evaluated in 499 women during the first trimester of pregnancy and confounding factors were analyzed. The mean age was 27 years. The mean birth weight of newborn was 3300g. The vaginal delivery rate was 73.1% whereas caesarean delivery rate was 26.9%. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was needed in 8% of newborns. Meconium was seen in 12.6% of newborns. There was a significant statistical difference between caesarean section and vaginal delivery group with respect to 25OH-vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels(p<0.001). All three vitamins were low in first trimester in caesarean delivery group. In contrast, ferritin levels were similar between two groups. 25OH-vitamin D, folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were significantly low in the presence of meconium(p<0.001) whereas the level of ferritin was significantly high in the presence of meconium(p=.0.001). 25 OH-vitamin D (p=0.001), vitamin B12 (p<0.001) and ferritin(p<0.001) levels were significantly low in mothers of newborns hospitalized in NICU. In contrast, folic acid level was similar between two groups(p=0.066). Adequate levels of certain vitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy are crucial for a healthy pregnancy and newborn.