Deficiency In Pregnant Women Research Articles

Maternal Serum Albumin Redox State Is Associated with Infant Birth Weight in Japanese Pregnant Women.

Background: Plasma albumin (ALB) reflects protein nutritional status in rats, but it is not clear whether it is associated with dietary protein insufficiency in pregnant women and/or their risk of low birth weight delivery. This study aimed to investigate whether maternal serum ALB redox state reflects maternal protein nutritional status and/or is associated with infant birth weights. Methods: The relationship between the serum reduced ALB ratio and infant birth weight was examined in an observational study of 229 Japanese pregnant women. A rat model simulating fetal growth restriction, induced by protein-energy restriction, was used to elucidate the relationship between maternal nutritional status, maternal serum ALB redox state, and birth weight of the offspring. Results: In the human study, serum reduced ALB ratio in the third trimester was significantly and positively correlated with infant birth weight. In the rat study, serum reduced ALB ratio and birth weight in the litter decreased as the degree of protein-energy restriction intensified, and a significant and positive correlation was observed between them in late pregnancy. Conclusions: Maternal serum reduced ALB ratio in the third trimester is positively associated with infant birth weight in Japanese pregnant women, which would be mediated by maternal protein nutritional status.

Determinant Of Chronic Energy Deficiency (Kek) In Pregnant Women In The Working Area Of Siak Hulu Iii Health Center Of Kampar Regency

Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) pregnant women is a situation where a pregnant woman experiences nutritional deficiencies (calories and protein) that have long or chronic competition. In 2018, national the prevalence of CED in pregnant women is 17,3%, and the Siak Health Center prevalence of CED deficiency in pregnant women was 21,4%. The purpose of this research was to determine the factors that influence the CED in pregnant women in the working area of the Siak Hulu III Health Center of Kampar district. The method of this research was a descriptive quantitative analytical study with a cross-sectional design. The sample was 70 respondents in the working area Puskesmas Siak Hulu III. The sampling technique was consecutive sampling with the dependent variable, namely pregnant women with CED if the upper circumference <23,5 cm, and the dependent variable was knowledge, infectious disease, family income, parity, and hyperemesis gravidarum. The data analysis was a bivariate analysis with the Chi-Square test. The instrument used questionnaires and data processing using computerized. The results showed a correlation between knowledge on pregnant women CED (p-value 0,158 OR = 2,602), the influence of infectious diseases on pregnant women CED (p-value 0,003 OR = 5,881), family income (p-value 0,025 OR = 0,231), parity) (p-value 0,025 OR = 4,333), and hyperemesis gravidarum (p-value 0,017 OR = 3,934). It can be concluded that there is an influence between infectious disease, family income, parity, hyperemesis gravidarum, and health workers, in particular, are expected to be able to provide information.

PENGARUH MODIFIKASI PEMBELAJARAN DARING TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN IBU HAMIL KURANG ENERGI KRONIS (KEK)

Chronic energy deficiency is the state in which the pregnant women suffer the lack of food chronically (chronic). The effect of chronic energy deficiency causes death to the mother and fetus, the further impact of chronic energy deficiency can cause physical growth disorders (stunting), brain and metabolic disorders that make it susceptible to disease during the Covid 19 pandemic. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of online learning modifications about nutrition to increase the knowledge of chronic energy deficient pregnant women in South Pekalongan.The design of this research is an experimental quasi study with the Two group pretest-post test design. The research sample of 40 respondents consists of 20 respondents treatment groups and 20 respondents in the control groups. The intervention in the online learning treatment group, and the control group by learning to read the KIA book, was carried out for 15 days. Statistical test uses the Paried t test for the test for normally distributed data and uses Wilcoxon for abnormal data distribution.The statistical test result states that there is a difference in the knowledge of pregnant women in chronic energy deficiency (KEK) between those who are given modified online learning and learning through the KIA book with r: 0,000. Keyword: KEK, Learning, Online Learning

Latent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy: effects on maternal and fetal health, possible ways to solve the problem

Iron deficiency with or without anemia in pregnant women is quite common today. In fact, anemia affects nearly 30% of women of reproductive age, and its prevalence among pregnant women is estimated to be 38% worldwide. Although iron deficiency (IR) is not the only cause of anemia, it is the most prevalent one. Anemia-reduction strategies among pregnant women are often ineffective, and severe anemia can greatly increase the risk of maternal mortality, as reported by WHO. Now therefore, the current guidelines for screening and treatment of ID-anemia (IDA) in pregnant women and new-borns require change. Severe anemia can greatly increase the risk of maternal death and adversely affect a developing fetus and new-born. In this review, we analyse the available data on the epidemiology and the effects of iron deficiency on mothers and infants, current treatment strategies and screening recommendations, as well as examine the treatment of IDA in pregnant women and newborns and the problem of poor compliance in patients with latent iron deficiency. A continuous long-term course of administration of oral iron supplements is one of the components of success in the treatment of IDA, and particularly latent forms of iron deficiency in pregnant women. It is often the case that poor patients’ compliance with therapy leads to poor treatment outcomes and misleading conclusions about the ineffectiveness of oral iron dosage forms in the battle against IDA. The data we have analysed suggest the possibility of increasing compliance with IDA treatment in pregnant women.

High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Shenzhen pregnant women

Background Vitamin D deficiency is a public health problem worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women often leads to negative clinical consequence and has been distributed differently in certain latitudes. Here, we aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in Shenzhen City and investigate the influencing factors. Methods A total of 27,166 healthy pregnant women, undergoing prenatal examinations in our hospital between July 2014 and December 2018, were enrolled in our study. Maternal characteristics, including the duration of pregnancy, age and enrollment time, were recorded. The concentrations of serum 25(OH)D in the blood samples were detected by immunochemistry assays. Results For the total study population, the median serum 25(OH)D concentration was 23.36 [17.98–29.51] ng/mL, and 34.3% and 42.4% of the participants exhibited vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH) D < 20 ng/mL) and insufficiency (serum 25(OH)D 21–29 ng/mL), respectively. Vitamin D deficiency decreased with gestation (37.83%, 33.8%, and 29.3% for the first trimester, second trimester and third trimester, respectively, p < .001) and decreased by age (36.03%, 35.20%, 31.86% and 29.83%, for the age groups 18–24, 25–29, 30–34 and 35–46 years, respectively, p < .001). This prevalence had conspicuous seasonality (winter vs. autumn, OR 3.69, 95% CI: 3.42–3.99, p < .001). Temperature was positively associated with women’s serum 25(OH)D level (r = 0.48, p < .001). Conclusions Overall, we demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in Shenzhen was common and was affected by gestation, age and season/temperature.

Mild to moderate iodine deficiency in pregnancy: A matter of debate

During the last few decades painstaking efforts have been made to eliminate iodine deficiency through the world. Nowadays in regions where dietary iodine intake is adequate or borderline, the main focus is increasing dietary iodine supply in the target population during pregnancy and the first years of life. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of irreversible brain damage, intellectual disability, neurologic abnormalities, stunted growth, increased pregnancy loss, infant mortality, impairments in child development and cretinism. The potential effects of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency are debated. Results from animal studies and observational human studies indicate that maternal mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency disturbs thyroid function in pregnancy and it also may affects fetal neurodevelopment. The effect of supplementation of iodine on thyroid function of pregnant women and their newborn, neurodevelopment of infants and cognitive performance of children have been investigated using iodine nutrition in pregnancy, based on median urinary iodine concentration. However they have found conflicting results regarding the benefits or harms of iodine supplementation in pregnancy. Although many epidemiological, interventional and clinical studies have supported the association between thyroid function in pregnant women and later psychomotor and mental development of their children, the effect of iodine supplementation in pregnant women on neurodevelopment of children is inconclusive. Even in areas with well-established universal salt iodization program, pregnancy could be at risk of having iodine deficiency and despite WHO/ICCIDD/UNICEF recommendation which believe that dietary iodine fortification during pregnancy depends primarily on the extent of pre-existing iodine deprivation, systematic dietary fortification needs to be implemented in this vulnerable group. However, iodine supplementation of mildly iodine deficient pregnant women may not have beneficial effects in their thyroid function or neurodevelopment of their children.

Evaluation of the prevalence of vitamin d deficiency in pregnant women and its correlation with neonatal vitamin D levels

Summary Background Sufficient levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D) are required during pregnancy to maintain fetal developmental and reduce adverse outcomes in fetus/neonates and mother. The present study aimed to determine the levels of vitamin D in pregnant women and neonates and evaluate the corresponding effects of vitamin D supplementations. Materials and Methods This descriptive-analytical study, conducted in Asali Hospital, Khorramabad, included 77 pregnant women, between 15–45 years of the age, presented with the gestational age of 37–42. 5cc of the blood samples were obtained from the mothers during the labor and umbilical cord, postpartum. Demographic and medical data were obtained from the patients and results from the lab findings, based on the levels of 25(OH)D, were recorded in the questionnaire. Results The mean concentration of 25(OH)D in pregnant women was 13 ng/ml and their neonates was 15 ng/ml. Overall, 60.9% of the mothers and neonates were reported to be 25(OH)D deficient whereas, 89% of the mothers and their newborns had insufficient vitamin D levels. The levels of 25(OH)D in the umbilical cord had a significant relationship with serum vitamin D levels. Maternal age, gestational age, body mass index and occupational status had no effect on maternal and neonatal vitamin D levels. Women under vitamin D supplementations (4000IU/day) had higher levels of vitamin D levels. conclusions The mean concentration of vitamin D in pregnant women and infants is low and it is a direct correlated with umbilical cord blood vitamin D levels.

Vitamin A nutrition status among pregnant women in rural China in 2015

To evaluate the nutrition status of vitamin A in Chinese rural pregnant women from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey 2015(CNNHS 2015). A total of 3273 Chinese rural pregnant women were recruited in this study. The concentrations of serum retinol were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. The C-reactive protein and α-acid glycoprotein were determined by immunoturbidimetric method. The distribution of serum retinol status in pregnant women was further described for different regions, age groups, nationalities, body mass index(BMI), education levels, gestational weeks, family income per capita and inflammation levels. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and the percentage of marginal vitamin A deficiency in pregnant women were compared in different subgroups. The median concentration of serum retinol(M(P25, P75)) was 0. 47(0. 36, 0. 61) mg/L. There were significant differences among different regions, age groups, education levels, gestational age and per capita household income(P&lt;0. 01). The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was 1. 2% for deficiency and 10. 5% for marginal deficiency, respectively. Significant differences were observed in age groups, gestational weeks and inflammation levels(P&lt;0. 01). In addition, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency was relatively serious, 2. 1% for deficiency and 14. 2% for marginal deficiency in the third trimester, 2. 0% for deficiency and 12. 2% for marginal in the 30-44 years. It should be pay more attention on the vitamin A nutrition status in the third trimester and the 30-44 years old pregnant women, although the vitamin A status had been greatly improved in Chinese rural pregnant women.

Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Terjadinya Kekurangan Energi Kronik pada Ibu Hamil

Chronic Energy Deficiency in pregnant women is a condition of the mother's lack of protein and energy intake during pregnancy which can cause health problems for the mother and the fetus. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence the occurrence of chronic energy deficiency in pregnant women. This research is an analytical survey with a cross sectional research design, the study was conducted in June - August 2020 at the Pegayut Public Health Center, Pemulutan District, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra. The population in this study were all pregnant women who carried out ANC examinations at Pegayut Health Center in 2019 which totaled 369 people and the sample used in this study was the entire population of 369 people, data analysis used univariate (proportion), bivariate (chi square test) and multivariate (logistic regression) analysis. The analysis showed that maternal age at intervals of pregnancy (p value: 0,000) and parity (p vaue: 0,000) had a significant relationship with chronic energy deficiency, while the age of pregnant women (p value: 0.147) had no significant relationship with the occurrence of energy deficiency. chronicles. Based on the final model of multivariate analysis, the variable that has the greatest effect on chronic energy deficiency is the pregnancy interval variable. It is hoped that pregnant women should carry out routine pregnancy checks at least 4 times during pregnancy to monitor the health of the mother and baby so as to prevent complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

Risk factors and comorbidities associated with magnesium deficiency in pregnant women and women with hormone-related conditions: analysis of a large real-world dataset

BackgroundAn accumulating body of literature indicates that magnesium deficiency is associated with a number of hormone-related conditions (HRC) in women, and epidemiological studies are needed to assess its prevalence and risk factors. Here, we present a secondary analysis of data pooled from four large observational studies that assessed magnesium deficiency among pregnant women and women with HRC across the Russian Federation.MethodsThe main objective of this analysis was to estimate the prevalence of magnesium deficiency in this population and to describe risk factors and comorbidities associated with low serum magnesium. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors and comorbid conditions associated with an increased risk of low serum magnesium level.ResultsA total of 983 pregnant women and 9444 women with HRC were eligible for analysis. Prevalence of hypomagnesemia (magnesium serum level cut-off < 0.66 mmol/L/< 0.8 mmol/L) was 34.0%/78.9% in pregnant women and 21.4%/54.8% in women with HRC. The highest prevalence of magnesium deficiency was observed for osteoporosis and climacteric syndrome. Risk factors included diastolic blood pressure, previous pregnancy complications, infections and edema for pregnant women, and age, body mass index, and various comorbidities for women with HRC.ConclusionsThese results confirm the high prevalence of hypomagnesemia in pregnant women and women with HRC and underline the importance of routine screening, since risk factors are mostly non-specific.

Vitamin D Deficiency among Women Having Gestational Diabetes

Objective: To determine the vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women presented at tertiary care Hospital with gestational diabetes.&#x0D; Methodology: This case control study has been conducted at gynecology department of Liaquat University of Medical and health Sciences, during one year from 2018 to 2019. Women having diagnosed as gestational diabetes, age more than 18 years and equal quantity of non-diabetic pregnant women were included in the study. A 5ml blood sample was taken from each patient and sent to the Hospital diagnostic laboratory to assess the vitamin D level. All the data was collected via self-made proforma. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20.&#x0D; Results: Total 80 women with gestational diabetes and of non-gestational diabetes were studied. Mean age of the women was 34.23±12.3 years and mean gestational age was 29.34±5.7 weeks. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly high in women having gestational diabetes (P=0.0001). There was no difference in vitamin D deficiency according to occupation, residence, SES, booking status and parity.&#x0D; Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was significantly high in women having gestational diabetes as compared to normal women. By early assessment of vitamin D deficiency and its management can be reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

Iodine knowledge is associated with iodine status in Portuguese pregnant women: results from the IoMum cohort study.

Lack of knowledge about iodine has been suggested as a risk factor for iodine deficiency in pregnant women, but no studies have addressed this issue in Portugal. So, the aim of this study was to investigate iodine knowledge among Portuguese pregnant women and its association with iodine status. IoMum, a prospective observational study, included 485 pregnant women recruited at Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de S. João, Porto, between the 10th and 13th gestational weeks. Partial scores for knowledge on iodine importance, on iodine food sources or on iodised salt were obtained through the application of a structured questionnaire. Then, a total iodine knowledge score was calculated and grouped into low, medium and high knowledge categories. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured in spot urine samples by inductively coupled plasma MS. Of the pregnant women, 54 % correctly recognised iodine as important to neurocognitive development, 32 % were unable to identify any iodine-rich food and 71 % presented lack of knowledge regarding iodised salt. Of the women, 61 % had a medium total score of iodine knowledge. Knowledge on iodine importance during pregnancy was positively associated with iodine supplementation and also with UIC. Nevertheless, median UIC in women who correctly recognised the importance of iodine was below the cut-off for adequacy in pregnancy (150 µg/l). In conclusion, knowledge on iodine importance is positively associated with iodine status. Despite this, recognising iodine importance during pregnancy may not be sufficient to ensure iodine adequacy. Literacy-promoting actions are urgently needed to improve iodine status in pregnancy.

The Status and Knowledge of Iodine among Pregnant Women in Shanghai.

Iodine plays an important role in thyroid function. However, in daily practices, people lack the related details including the knowledge concerned iodine usage, attitudes towards it, and practice among pregnant women. The aim of the present study is to assess the iodine status of pregnant women in Shanghai, and their knowledge regarding iodine, with the goal of investigating the relationship between iodine and thyroid function during pregnancy. This is a cross-sectional study. We recruited 3 groups of participants including 145 pregnant women (12-16weeks gestation), 101 pregnant women (24-28weeks gestation), and 108 pregnant women (34-38weeks gestation). Iodine status and dietary intake were calculated from 24-h urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Knowledge regarding iodine was collected through a questionnaire. We additionally examined TSH, FT3, FT4, and TPOAb of the participants. The median of UIC of the 354 pregnant women was 119.2μg/L, and 68.9% had urinary iodine levels below 150μg/L. The proportion of daily iodized salt consumption in pregnant women was only 78.0%. The median UIC of the pregnant women who had consumed iodized salt was significantly higher than that of the pregnant women without iodized salt intake (Z = - 5.087, P < 0.001). Pregnant women in weeks 34-38 with a high level of knowledge had significantly lower TSH levels than those with low knowledge level (P = 0.046). Among the 349 pregnant women, few were aware of the harm to the fetus (8.3%). Significant differences were found in the scores for the knowledge level of women with different educational levels (Z = - 5.413, P < 0.001). Pregnant women in Shanghai have mild iodine deficiency. Approaches to improve iodine status among pregnant women in Shanghai include raising their awareness of iodine intake and changing their dietary habits. Otherwise, the risk of iodine deficiency in pregnant women may continue to increase.

A study on assessment of different levels of iron, TIBC, transferrin and ferritin during pregnancy trimesters and lactation

Background: Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the pregnant women. This study was conducted to investigate the possible contribution and impact of iron status on pregnancy in a costal population. One hundred seventy pregnant women aged between 18-38 years are taken in the current study. The women were followed up weekly till delivery after which neonatal anthropometrics and other birth out comes were recorded. Mean serum Hemoglobin, ferritin and iron were found to be lower in 3rd trimester as compared to 1st trimester, which become lower at postpartum then reach nearly to normal value during lactation. While serum ferritin was found to be lower in 2nd trimester as compared to 1st trimester, it was significantly higher in 3rd as compared to second trimesters and also decreased at postpartum and lactation. Serum TIBC, transferrin and Fe/TIBC levels increased during 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, Serum TIBC also elevated at postpartum, then decreased during lactation. This result provides that, it is important to detect which form of iron become abnormal during trimesters of pregnancy, postpartum and lactation which may lead to cause of nutritional deficiency in pregnant women, so as to reduce public problem.

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women on São Miguel Island, Azores. Assessing the Impact of Corrective Measures

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women on São Miguel Island, Azores. Assessing the Impact of Corrective Measures

DOSE-DEPENDENT ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF DRUG CORRECTION OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnancy is a period accompanied by significant functional changes in a woman’s body, which are necessary both to satisfy her own needs and to ensure intensive growth and development of the fetus. Adequate consumption of macro- and micronutrients is currently extremely important, since malnutrition or excessive nutrition increases the risk of obstetric and perinatal complications. The article discusses the problem and causes of vitamin D deficiency and deficiency in pregnant women living in a big city. The mechanisms of its action and the classical and “non-classical” effects of the regulation of the most important body functions are shown. As a marker of the level of vitamin D in blood plasma, the content of 25-hydroxycalciferol (25 (OH) D) is used. This indicator reflects both the formation of vitamin D in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, and its entry into the body with food of animal and vegetable origin. As a result of the study, it was found that the vast majority of modern pregnant women living in the city, even with an uncomplicated pregnancy, have a deficiency of vitamin D. The frequency of the diagnosed deficiency in pre-pregnant and re-pregnant women is shown. It should be noted that the frequency of diagnosing vitamin D deficiency was higher in pregnant women with a history of breastfeeding. This suggests that re-pregnant women who have been breastfeeding for a long time are at high risk of deficiency and vitamin D deficiency compared with pregnant women, will give birth for the first time. Showing the results of level 25 (OH) D before and after correction, while taking various doses of cholecalciferol. The obtained vitamin D levels indicate that the nutritional behavior of the examined pregnant women and the qualitative characteristics of the products do not fully support a sufficient level of cholecalciferol. For the field of reproductive medicine today the problem of prevention and reduction of complications of the perinatal period remains relevant. Given the importance of vitamin D for the normal course of pregnancy and the development of the fetus, one of the promising directions in the prevention of complications of the gestational period is the development and implementation of methods for eliminating and preventing vitamin D deficiency in the health care system, both at the stage of pregravid preparation and during pregnancy.

Repercussões da deficiência de ferro durante a gestação e puerpério para o binômio materno-fetal

Objetivo: Analisar as repercussões da deficiência de ferro durante a gestação e no puerpério para o binômio materno-fetal, bem como destacar a intervenção do enfermeiro frente à problemática. Revisão Bibliográfica: Deficiência de ferro em gestantes tem consequências relevantes que culminam na anemia gestacional prejudicando assim a saúde materna, acarretando prejuízos no desenvolvimento e crescimento fetal e podendo levar a perdas sanguíneas agudas no pós parto, levando a consequências irreversíveis para ambos, sendo assim, é necessário que haja uma identificação precoce da deficiência deste micronutriente na gestante, para que se possa montar estratégias de intervenção nutricional ou medicamentosa, promovendo níveis adequados dos mesmos, melhorando o prognóstico gravídico junto a gestante. O enfermeiro é fundamental para o acompanhamento e desenvolvimento de uma gestação saudável, pois deve enfatizar, priorizar e orientar as recomendações passadas pelo médico, bem como reforçar e esclarecer sobre as boas práticas alimentares, e estilo de vida adequado, para assim evitar intercorrência e garantir uma gestação sem complicações. Considerações Finais: A carência de ferro durante a gestação e puerpério para o binômio materno-fetal causa severas sequelas no desenvolvimento e crescimento fetal, além de prejudicar a saúde da mãe, podendo levar a consequências irreversíveis para ambos.

GAMBARAN KADAR ZINK (Zn) PADA IBU HAMIL TRIMESTER I, TRIMESTER II, dan TRIMESTER III DI LABORATORIUM KLINIK PRODIA KRAMAT

&#x0D; The concentration of zinc (Zn) in pregnant women is relatively decreased by 35%. Low Zn in pregnant women can reduce the transport of nutrients to the uterus and affect the provision of adequate nutrition to the baby. Zn deficiency in pregnant women can cause several complications, including low birth weight (LBW), Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth. Zn is important in maintaining the stability of physiological functions, the process of DNA formation in the fetus and cell hemostasis. This study used a cross-sectional approach using medical record data in the Laboratory of the Prodia Kramat Clinic in Central Jakarta in 2019 - 2020. The sample in this study was non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling approach based on limiting criteria as many as 37 pregnant women. Based on the results of the analysis, it is known that 392 (91.4%) pregnant women have not realized the importance of Zn examination, the highest reduction in Zn levels in pregnant women occurred in the second trimester as much as 86.5%, at the age level of 26-30 years. This can occur due to the lack of Zn supplementation during pregnancy and lack of awareness in monitoring the nutritional components both macronutrient and micronutrient, one of which is Zn.&#x0D; Keywords : Pregnant Women, Nutrition, Trimester, Zinc

Evaluation of effect of vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D levels and pregnancy outcome

Introduction: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which comes primarily from exposure to sunlight, and only few foods acts as a source of it. Vitamin D deficiency is a preventable health problem. Research shows that during pregnancy, adequate vitamin D intake is necessary for maternal, fetal and child health. This study was conducted to determine prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and neonates and will also help us to determine if 400IU daily recommended dose is sufficient to treat hypovitaminosis D. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out for 1 ½ years on 100 pregnant, divided in two groups in which one group was given supplementation and 2nd group was of unregistered patients. Results: The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was observed as 82% in present study. On supplementing the subjects with 400IU vitamin D with calcium 1000 mg daily, the prevalence reduced to 14% while normal levels were achieved in 58% as compared to 8% during the first trim which was significant with p value of Conclusion: We recommend evaluation of the status of vitamin D in all pregnant women along with D3 supplementation. Routine supplementation of pregnant mothers with 400IU vitamin D with calcium 1000 mg daily resulted in significant improvement of vitamin D levels in study group, but sufficient levels were reached in just over half of the females. We thus propose further research on the daily dosage recommendations along with other factors affecting vitamin D levels in pregnant females like eating pattern, compliance to prescribed drugs and sun light exposure. Keywords: Vitamin D levels, Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy.

Comparative Test of Ret-He Examination in Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency in Pregnant Women

The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency, which found in 50% of anemia cases. There are 66.7% of pregnant women in Indonesia that still lack iron intake. Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) examination as a single parameter is the initial indicator of iron deficiency, considered more sensitive in detecting iron reserves in the body. This study aims to determine the effectivity of the Ret-He examination as a single parameter in establishing the diagnosis of iron deficiency in pregnant women. This research was conducted on 30 pregnant women. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of Ret-He were determined by comparing the results of the biochemical examination of iron profiles. Iron deficiency defined as an abnormal examination result on two or more biochemical parameters, which were SI &lt;50 µg/dL, TIBC &gt;425 µg/dL, serum ferritin &lt;10 ng/mL and Transferrin Saturation &lt;15.0%. Between 30 pregnant women, there were 18 (60%) with iron deficiency and 12 (40%) without iron deficiency. Ret-He levels were significantly lower in pregnant women with iron deficiency (P=0.008). A decrease in the Ret-He level in iron deficiency positively correlated with serum Ferritin (r=0.433). The effectivity of the Ret-He examination had an AUC value of 0.785 (P=0.009). Ret-He diagnostic reliability had at a cut-off value of 27.2 pg with sensitivity (87.5%), specificity (50.0%), positive predictive value (38.9%), and negative predictive value (91.7%). Ret-He examination is a useful marker of iron deficiency in pregnant women so that it can be applied for screening or as a routine examination.