The effect of hypovitaminosis D in mother on newborn babies in North India: a case series

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread concern during pregnancy across the globe. This issue can be linked to various factors, including lifestyle changes, reduced sunlight exposure, the application of sunscreen, inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D, and a lack of vitamin D supplementation during the antenatal period. Such a deficiency can affect newborns, and the symptoms can vary, complicating the diagnostic process. Only limited reports have been published on the effect of hypovitaminosis D in mothers on newborn children. We present a case series of three newborns from India who were influenced by the mother’s hypovitaminosis D. In the first case the baby suffered from multiple rib fractures. In the second case the baby developed seizures and in the third case the baby was asymptomatic but suffered from refractory hypocalcemia. Due to increasing rates of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy, a suspicion should be kept for diagnosis of hypovitaminosis and hypocalcemia in newborn with unexplained presentations.