Association Between Preeclampsia and Hypovitaminosis D in Females Presenting During Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity, while vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women in developing countries. Emerging evidence suggests a possible association between hypovitaminosis D and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Objective: To determine the association between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia among women presenting during the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: This was a hospital-based case–control comparative study conducted at the Outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Services Hospital, Lahore, from March 2025 to June 2025. A total of 200 pregnant women presenting during the third trimester were enrolled in the study.  Results: Women with preeclampsia were older (30.8 ± 5.6 vs 28.9 ± 5.1 years) and had higher BMI (29.2 ± 4.3 vs 26.7 ± 3.9 kg/m²). Mean vitamin D levels were significantly lower in cases (15.2 ± 6.1 ng/mL) compared with controls (22.8 ± 7.3 ng/mL) (p<0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was present in 72% of cases versus 33% of controls. Deficient women had over fivefold higher odds of developing preeclampsia (OR 5.21, 95% CI 2.79–9.72). Adverse outcomes including preterm delivery (38% vs 14%), low birth weight (44% vs 18%), and NICU admission (36% vs 11%) were significantly more frequent among cases. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with preeclampsia and poorer fetomaternal outcomes. Early identification and supplementation may help reduce pregnancy-related complications.