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According to the results of a study reported in the December 23 Online First issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is associated with increased odds of primary cesarean delivery. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal serum 25 - hydroxyvitamin D levels and the rate of primary cesarean delivery.
The investigators measured maternal and infant serum 25 (OH)D at birth in 253 mother-infant pairs, of whom about 17% had a primary cesarean delivery. Demographic and medical data were abstracted from the material medical record. In order to conduct the study, the investigators examined 252 pregnant women for two years.
The authors of the study found that the rate of cesarean delivery was 14% in women with 25(OH)D levels of 37.5 nmol/L or higher and 28% in women with serum 25(OH)D levels less than 37.5 nmol/L (P = .012). Furthermore, it looks like the risk for cesarean delivery was nearly 4-fold higher in women with 25(OH)D levels less than 37.5 nmol/L vs those with 25(OH)D levels of 37.5 nmol/L or more.
The results were based on multi-variable logistic regression analysis controlling for race, age, educational level, insurance status and alcohol use. However, there are a few limitations, such as the fact that the samples are too small to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is related to specific types of cesarean deliveries.
Previous research has indicated that Vitamin D deficiency can be linked with proximal muscle weakness and suboptimal muscle performance and strength, which may help support these new findings.
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