Copyright Newsweek
Women with a bone-softening condition typically caused by a deficiency of vitamin D are five times more likely to experience complications when giving birth. This is the conclusion of research from Sweden's Uppsala University, who found that those with the condition, known as osteomalacia, are five times more likely to required an emergency caesarean section or vacuum-assisted delivery. “Our findings suggest that osteomalacia, in which vitamin D deficiency is a key underlying cause, may influence the course of labor in ways that increase the need for urgent obstetric interventions,” said paper author and specialist general practitioner Dr. Paul Kalliokoski. The research team followed 52 Somali and 71 Swedish women registered at a maternity health center in Borlänge, Sweden, collecting blood samples, clinical data and questionnaires during pregnancy and then following up two years later with delivery records. Women who experienced miscarriages, stillbirths or who moved out of the region were excluded. Of the 123 participants, 20 women—19 Somali and one Swedish—were diagnosed with osteomalacia using a non-invasive, non-radiation diagnostic protocol. Statistical analyses adjusted for confounding factors confirmed a strong association between osteomalacia and the risk of both vacuum-assisted and emergency caesarean deliveries. Researchers suggest that muscle weakness, a hallmark symptom of osteomalacia, may explain the connection. The condition results from insufficient calcium for normal muscle function, which can impair uterine contractions or affect the pelvic bone structure, increasing the likelihood of delivery complications. The findings carry potential implications for maternal healthcare and public health policy, especially in populations where vitamin D deficiency is common. In the U.S., it is estimated that about 35 percent of the adult population has a vitamin D deficiency. In northern climates such as Sweden, where the study was undertaken and where limited sunlight reduces natural vitamin D production, deficiency disproportionately affects certain groups—including women with darker skin tones or those who wear full-body coverings for cultural or religious reasons. According to Kalliokoski, many pregnant women with clear risk factors for vitamin D deficiency are never tested. “Those who receive little or no sun exposure—due to covering clothing, excessive use of sunscreen, or a predominantly indoor lifestyle—are particularly vulnerable,” he told Newsweek. “Dark skin, while offering excellent protection against intense sunlight, also slows the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D,” Kalliokoski continued. “Other important risk factors include previous deficiency, strict vegetarian diets or extreme dietary restrictions, and malabsorption. The latter may occur in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease, or following bariatric surgery. He added that routine screening in early pregnancy for women in risk groups would be “a prudent step,” particularly in regions with limited sunlight. “If vitamin D levels are found to be insufficient, we recommend further blood tests—including parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase, and calcium—as well as clinical evaluation for symptoms such as muscle weakness, bone pain, and pronounced fatigue,” Kalliokoski explained. Supplementing with vitamin D and calcium at effective doses, plus safe sun exposure, may be a simple, cost-effective way to support maternal and fetal health. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about osteomalacia? Let us know via health@newsweek.com. Reference
