Abstract

Background: Early pregnancy loss, occurring before 10-13 weeks, often involves an empty or nonviable gestational sac. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to higher miscarriage rates. Between 10% and 20% of diagnosed pregnancies end in loss, with true rates potentially higher.
Aims of the study: To assess if there is a relationship between serum vitamin D level and the spontaneous termination of pregnancy that occurs before reaching 10 to 13 weeks of gestational age.
Methods: A case-control study at Basrah Maternity and Child Hospital conducted from October 2023 to April 2024, involved 104 women divided into case (early pregnancy loss) and control (normal delivery) groups. Data collected included sociodemographic factors, medical history, and serum 25(OH)D levels, using the AFIAS™ Vitamin D assay.
Results: The study compared two groups of women (n = 52 each). Serum vitamin D3 levels were significantly lower in the case group (17.24 ng/ml) compared to the control group (27.74 ng/ml, p = 0.001). There was a significant statistical difference between both groups (P value = 0.05) regarding the time spent outdoors.
Conclusion: The study found a significant disparity in serum vitamin D levels in women with early pregnancy loss compared to those with normal pregnancies. Cases spent less time outdoors, reducing sun exposure and vitamin D synthesis. Despite higher average BMI in controls, they had better vitamin D levels, suggesting lifestyle and supplementation play key roles.