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Objectives: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and their neonates and to examine factors associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Design and patients: Population-based study of pregnant women and their neonates from South-eastern Sydney, Australia.

Measurements: Serum 25 hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OHD), PTH, calcium, albumin, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase were measured in women at 23-32 weeks gestation and on cord blood at delivery. Maternal skin phototype was recorded using the Fitzpatrick scale.

Results: Vitamin D deficiency (defined as 25-OHD <= 25 nmol/l) was found in 144 of 971 (15%) women and 98 of 901 (11%) neonates. Median 25-OHD was 52 nmol/l (range 17-174) in mothers and 60 nmol/l (17-245) in neonates. Maternal 25-OHD levels varied by season, with lowest levels in late winter/early spring (P < 0[middle dot]001). Factors associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency in multiple logistic regression were (OR, 95% CI): maternal birthplace outside Australia: 2[middle dot]2 (1[middle dot]4-3[middle dot]5, P = 0[middle dot]001), dark skin phototype: 2[middle dot]7 (1[middle dot]6-4[middle dot]5, P < 0[middle dot]001), wearing a veil: 21[middle dot]7 (11[middle dot]7-40[middle dot]3, P < 0[middle dot]001) and younger maternal age: 0[middle dot]93 (0[middle dot]89-0[middle dot]97, P = 0[middle dot]001). Maternal vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of neonatal vitamin D deficiency (OR 17[middle dot]2, 95% CI 8[middle dot]8-34[middle dot]3) and birth weight was lower among infants of deficient vs. sufficient mothers: mean (SD) 3245 g (545) vs. 3453 g (555), P < 0[middle dot]001.

Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is common among pregnant women; immigrant, veiled and dark skinned women are at greatest risk. Maternal vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of neonatal vitamin D deficiency and lower birth weight.

Copyright (C) 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.