Health features of newborns depending on vitamin D level of their mothers during pregnancy

Aim. Evaluation of health state in newborns whose mothers were at risk of pre-eclampsia, depending on vitamin D level.

Methods. Study materials included peripheral blood from pregnant women and umbilical cord blood of newborns. Vitamin D level was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay kits of BIOMEDICAGRUPPE company (Germany). Intrauterine fetal state was studied with the use of ultrasonography.

Results. Analysis of the study proved that vitamin D level in the umbilical cord blood correlates with its concentration in the mother’s blood. In women at pre-eclampsia risk decreased calcium level and vitamin D deficiency in the blood were detected. Administration of 2,000 IU of vitamin D and 1.5 g of calcium from the beginning of 2nd trimester of pregnancy resulted in reduction of frequency and severity of pre-eclampsia and its complications, including intrauterine growth retardation. Use of vitamin D in combination with calcium supplementation was shown to significantly improve unfavorable perinatal outcomes in women at high risk of pre-eclampsia, reducing by 3 times hypoxia and cerebral fetal lesions frequency that proves the vitamin D importance for functioning of mother-placenta-fetus system.

Conclusion. Children of patients at risk of pre-eclampsia not taking vitamin D and calcium supplementation have lower birth weight and Apgar score, they have more frequent perinatal complications.