DefinePK

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is recognized as widespread public health issue especially prevalent in pregnant women, has been associated with negative maternal health consequences, including musculoskeletal pain. Objective: To assess vitamin D levels during pregnancy and explore their association with musculoskeletal pain in pregnant women Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at a teaching hospital in Sargodha over a 16-month period (09/2023-12/2024). Biochemical assessment of vitamin D status was performed through serum 25(OH)D quantification, while musculoskeletal symptoms were documented using structured pain questionnaires. Statistical evaluation, including chi-square analysis of associations, was performed using SPSS Statistics version 26.0. Results: Out of 250 pregnant women, 72.4% (n=181) had deficiency of vitamin D (<20 ng/mL), while 18% (n=45) had insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL). The association revealed between vitamin D deficiency and musculoskeletal pain was significant as (p <0.001), moderate to severe pain was evident in 68.2% of deficient women compared to 31.8% in the sufficient group (≥30 ng/mL). Conclusions: Current evidence reveals alarmingly high rates of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women and is significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain. Routine screening and supplementation should be considered to improve maternal health outcomes.