Expecting mothers go through many physiological changes during pregnancy. These changes require a higher intake of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

In particular, for a healthy pregnancy, expectant mothers require a substantial intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D not only helps to maintain strong bones in an expectant mother’s body but can also promote the development of a healthy fetus.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for maintaining strong bones. It is produced by our bodies in response to sunlight exposure. It is also present in some foods, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products.

Vitamin D is important for the body since it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous, which are vital for healthy bones. It also helps in improving the immune system, reducing inflammation, and enhancing muscle strength.

How Vitamin D Benefits Expectant Mothers

Vitamin D is highly essential for expectant mothers to promote the development of a healthy fetus inside the womb.

Studies have shown that pregnant women with low levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature birth, and cesarean section delivery. On the other hand, women with adequate levels of vitamin D have a lower risk of developing these complications. Vitamin D supports a healthy neonatal outcome by promoting the development of a healthy and strong immune system inside the womb.

Recommended Intake of Vitamin D for Pregnant Women

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D for pregnant women is 600-800 IU. However, many pregnant women do not consume this amount through diet alone.

The results from a recent study showed that about 95% of pregnant women were vitamin D deficient. Thus, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women take a daily supplement of 1000-2000 IU of vitamin D beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Sources of Vitamin D

The main source of vitamin D is sunlight exposure. The body produces vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun. The amount of vitamin D produced depends on multiple factors such as skin color, season, time of day, and location.

People living above 37-degrees latitude, which is an imaginary line that encircles the world at approximately the level of Boston and San Francisco, produce little to no Vitamin D in their skin during the winter months. Thus, it can be challenging to meet the recommended daily intake of vitamin D during colder months.

However, other dietary sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna. Fortified dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, are also good sources of vitamin D.

Other food sources of vitamin D include mushrooms, egg yolks, and beef liver.

Benefits of Vitamin D for the Fetus

Vitamin D not only benefits the expectant mother but also promotes the development of a healthy fetus. It is known that the fetal brain, bone, and immune system development depend on maternal vitamin D levels.

A study conducted by the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed that newborns who were born with higher levels of vitamin D had a lowered risk of infections and asthma. The results of the study showed that newborns born to mothers with the lowest vitamin D levels had a higher risk of asthma than newborns born to mothers with adequate levels of vitamin D.

The Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency During Pregnancy

Vitamin D deficiency is common during pregnancy, and it can lead to numerous complications. It can increase the risk of maternal high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, premature birth, and low birth weight.

These complications can have long term effects on the health of the mother and the baby.

Vitamin D and Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complication that occurs in pregnant women, primarily in the second half of pregnancy.

The symptoms of preeclampsia include high blood pressure, the presence of protein in the urine, swelling in the hands or face, and sudden weight gain. The symptoms can be mild, but they can lead to severe complications for the mother and the fetus.

Studies have shown that women who have low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia. Researchers believe that low levels of vitamin D can lead to endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelial cells line the blood vessel’s walls, and when they don’t function properly, they can lead to high blood pressure and preeclampsia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vitamin D is essential for a healthy pregnancy. It is necessary for the development of healthy bones, muscles, and immune systems for both the mother and the fetus.

Pregnant women should ensure that their vitamin D intake is adequate, and if necessary, they should consume a vitamin D supplement to meet the recommended daily intake. Vitamin D supplementation should begin in the first trimester to improve the health outcomes of both the mother and the fetus.