VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY;

Objective: To study the Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women. Study Design: A Cross-sectional analyticalstudy through convenient sampling technique. Setting and duration: At a private Clinic located at East Canal Road Faisalabad, from March2011 to June 2011. Material and method: The study included consecutive 61 pregnant women of reproductive age and non-pregnant womenwere excluded. Blood samples were taken in morning i.e. overnight fasting samples, by venepuncture by disposable syringes sample weretaken and samples were stored at -20 degree centigrade till they were analyzed. Our interest was in age and serum Vitamin D 3 levels. Results:Out of 61 pregnant women results showed that 87.0% pregnant women were having Vitamin D deficiency, 10.0% were having Vitamin Dinsufficiency, 3.0% had Vitamin D sufficiency and none shows Vitamin D intoxication. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in pregnantwomen of younger age group. Furthermore prevalence was higher among the pregnant mothers with high parity. Moreover, 65% women werenot exposed to sunlight properly, 60% women had muscle cramps and bony aches. 90% women never were tested for tested Vitamin D levelsbefore. Conclusions: Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is significant in pregnant women. It is also important for its effects on various organsand systems of body as well as on pregnancy and neonate. The different aspects of study led to conclusion to emphasize that Health educationbe imparted to pregnant women and their families in terms of diet, proper sunlight exposure and taking Vitamin D supplements in pregnancy. It isthus recommended to perform Vitamin D levels in every pregnant woman.