A new study from Penn State reveals that women with low vitamin D levels in the first trimester of pregnancy are at a higher risk of preterm birth and may have babies with shorter lengths. The research highlights the importance of vitamin D status in early pregnancy and suggests that interventions targeting women with low vitamin D could improve pregnancy outcomes.
Penn StateFeb 3 2025 Low vitamin D levels in the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with higher rates of preterm birth and decreased fetal length, according to a new study led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences. This research provides evidence that early pregnancy or even preconception may represent critical time points for intervening with women who have low vitamin D status, to optimize pregnancy outcomes.
Most prior studies on vitamin D status in pregnant women have measured vitamin D concentrations starting in the second trimester or later, the researchers said. The researchers said this study, to their knowledge, is the first to examine both first and second trimester maternal vitamin D status in relation to longitudinal fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes.
Despite the higher risk of preterm birth in women with low vitamin D status, the researchers cautioned that these results were based on a very low number of preterm births in this study and recommend that additional, larger studies be conducted. "This study provides evidence that early pregnancy - and even pre-conception - nutrition is vitally important," Beck said. "Individual women may or may not need supplements depending on their diet and lifestyle. But healthy nutrition is critical for promoting the healthy development of a fetus.
PREGNANCY VITAMIND PRENATAL CARE HEALTH OUTCOMES FETAL DEVELOPMENT
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