Prevalence and management of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in India: A physician survey

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy has important maternal and foetal implications. Aim: This survey was conducted to understand gynaecologists’ perspectives on the prevalence of and management practices for vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in India. Methods: This was a questionnaire-based survey conducted across India between October 2021 and December 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions related to the prevalence and management practices related to vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women. Results: In total, 39 gynaecologists participated in the study. Vitamin D was recommended to women during pre-conceptual counselling by 82.1% of the gynaecologists. One-third (33.4%) gynaecologists observed that >75% of pregnant women in their clinical practice had vitamin D deficiency, with the women aged >30 years being most likely to have this deficiency. Low back pain and vague body pain were the most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency observed among pregnant women. Daily 2000 IU as continuous therapy was the most common regimen of vitamin D supplementation preferred by the participating gynaecologists (64.1%), followed by weekly 60,000 IU with monthly maintenance by 10 (25.6%) gynaecologists. Two-third gynaecologists 25 (64.1%) shared that