Background: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women constitutes a significant obstetric concern, affecting 40-98% of gravid populations worldwide. Adequate vitamin D status is essential for successful pregnancy outcomes, fetal development, and maternal health.
Objective: This review analyzes current evidence regarding vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy from an obstetric perspective, focusing on pregnancy complications, fetal outcomes, and evidence-based supplementation strategies for clinical practice.
Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was conducted, encompassing publications from 2020-2025. Randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and prospective cohort studies examining vitamin D status and pregnancy outcomes were included.
Results: Analysis demonstrated significant associations between vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) and elevated risk of preeclampsia (OR 0.65), gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 1.61), preterm birth (RR 0.67), and small-for-gestational-age neonates (RR 0.61). Supplementation with 2000-4000 IU/day appears safe and efficacious in achieving optimal concentrations.
Conclusions: Vitamin D assessment and individualized supplementation should be integrated into routine prenatal care. Obstetricians should implement screening protocols particularly for high-risk pregnant women.
Keywords: gestational diabetes mellitus; preeclampsia; pregnancy; prenatal care; preterm birth; supplementation; vitamin D.