What are the effects of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D on pregnancy?

Nov 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D during pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational complications, affect fetal bone development, reduce maternal immunity, increase the risk of preterm birth, and impair fetal metabolic development. Adequate vitamin D supplementation and monitoring during pregnancy are therefore essential. If prenatal tests consistently show low levels or if related symptoms occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D during pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational complications, impair fetal bone development, reduce maternal immunity, increase the risk of preterm birth, and affect fetal metabolic development. Therefore, adequate vitamin D supplementation and monitoring during pregnancy are essential. If prenatal tests consistently show low levels or related symptoms arise, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

1. Increased risk of pregnancy complications: Vitamin D plays a role in regulating calcium metabolism. Deficiency can lead to insufficient calcium absorption in the mother, increasing the risk of gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes, as well as potentially triggering severe complications such as preeclampsia.

2. Impaired fetal bone development: Fetal bone formation relies on sufficient vitamin D. Deficiency can disrupt fetal calcium absorption, potentially causing fetal rickets, skeletal malformations, and affecting postnatal bone health.

3. Reduced maternal immunity: Vitamin D helps regulate immune cell function. Deficiency weakens maternal resistance, making pregnant women more susceptible to infections and increasing the likelihood of illnesses such as colds and respiratory tract infections.

4. Increased risk of preterm birth: Studies indicate that low vitamin D levels during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery, possibly through impaired placental function and induction of maternal inflammatory responses leading to early labor.

5. Impaired fetal metabolic development: Vitamin D is involved in multiple metabolic processes. Deficiency may affect fetal pancreatic function and immune system development, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders and compromised immunity after birth.

Pregnant women should get adequate sun exposure to promote vitamin D synthesis, consume foods rich in vitamin D—such as deep-sea fish, egg yolks, and dairy products—and take supplements as advised by healthcare providers, while avoiding excessive intake that could cause adverse effects.

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