Maternal Vitamin D Status and Delivery by Cesarean
Nutrients 2012, 4(4), 319-330; doi:10.3390/nu4040319
Theresa O. Scholl 1 scholl@umdnj.edu , Xinhua Chen 1 and Peter Stein 2
1 Two Medical Center Drive, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SOM, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
2 Two Medical Center Drive, Department of Surgery, SOM, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
Received: 29 November 2011; in revised form: 23 February 2012 / Accepted: 13 April 2012 / Published: 20 April 2012
Abstract: We examined the association of vitamin D deficiency to risk of cesarean delivery using prospective data in a cohort of 1153 low income and minority gravidae. Circulating maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D and intact parathyroid hormone were measured at entry to care 13.73 ± 5.6 weeks (mean ± SD). Intake of vitamin D and calcium was assessed at three time points during pregnancy. Using recent Institute of Medicine guidelines, 10.8% of the gravidae were at risk of vitamin D deficiency, and 23.8% at risk of insufficiency. Maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D was related positively to vitamin D and calcium intakes and negatively to circulating concentrations of parathyroid hormone. Risk for cesarean delivery was increased significantly for vitamin D deficient women; there was no increased risk for gravidae at risk of insufficiency.
When specific indications were examined, vitamin D deficiency was linked to a 2-fold increased risk of cesarean for prolonged labor.
Results were the similar when prior guidelines for vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 37.5nmol/L) and insufficiency (37.5–80 nmol/L) were utilized.
(AOR = Adjusted Odds Ratio)
PDF is attached at the bottom of this page
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Summary of RCT without enough participants:
400 IU ==> 25% Cesarean; 4000 IU ==> 14% Cesarean
See also VitaminDWiki
- C-section 4X more likely when vitamin D less than 37 ng – many items
- All items in Pregnancy and Vitamin D 942 items
- Cesarean (associated with low Vitamin D) increased asthma, obesity, miscarriage and stillbirth – meta-analysis Jan 2018
- Overview Pregnancy and vitamin D has the following summary
| IU | Cumulative Benefit | Blood level | Cofactors | Calcium | $*/month |
| 200 | Better bones for mom with 600 mg of Calcium | 6 ng/ml increase | Not needed | No effect | $0.10 |
| 400 | Less Rickets (but not zero with 400 IU) 3X less adolescent Schizophrenia Fewer child seizures | 20-30 ng/ml | Not needed | No effect | $0.20 |
| 2000 | 2X More likely to get pregnant naturally/IVF 2X Fewer dental problems with pregnancy 8X less diabetes 4X fewer C-sections (>37 ng) 4X less preeclampsia (40 ng vs 10 ng) 5X less child asthma 2X fewer language problems age 5 | 42 ng/ml | Desirable | < 750 mg | $1 |
| 4000 | 2X fewer pregnancy complications 2X fewer pre-term births | 49 ng/ml | Should have cofactors | < 750 mg | $3 |
| 6000 | Probable: larger benefits for above items Just enough D for breastfed infant More maternal and infant weight | Should have cofactors | < 750 mg | $4 |