Association between Maternal Vitamin B12 Status during Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcome - A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Maternal Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy is a significant concern, associated with adverse outcomes like preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction.
• Low Vitamin B12 levels in mothers can lead to reduced Vitamin B12 status in newborns, impacting their immediate health post-birth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of maternal Vitamin B12 levels on neonatal outcomes.
• Specifically focusing on anthropometric measurements (birth weight, length, head circumference) and Vitamin B12 status in newborns.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 100 pregnant women over 28 weeks gestation.
• Maternal and neonatal blood samples were analyzed for Vitamin B12 levels; neonatal anthropometrics were measured.
• Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA.

Main Results:

• 72% of mothers exhibited low Vitamin B12 levels (41% deficient, 31% insufficient).
• Neonates from mothers with low Vitamin B12 showed higher rates of low birth weight (9%) and being small for gestational age (23%).
• No statistically significant association was found between maternal Vitamin B12 status and neonatal anthropometric measurements, despite 7% of newborns having low Vitamin B12.

Conclusions:

• Maternal Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, notably lower birth weight.
• The study highlights the critical importance of routine Vitamin B12 screening and supplementation in pregnant women.
• Ensuring adequate maternal Vitamin B12 is essential for optimal fetal development and neonatal health.