Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) is an important fat soluble vitamin with role in not just bone health and density, but also in other body functions including immunity, cell growth, neuromuscular system, etc.
Vitamin D and Pregnancy
In recent studies, correlation between vitamin D levels and pregnancy are evident. The vitamin D levels not only affect the mother but also the fetus and thus it’s associated with the outcome of pregnancy and health of a newborn.
Researches are going on to understand the role of Vitamin D in pregnancy, including placental implantation, development of blood vessels, immunity, inflammation and blood sugar level.
Evidences shows that mothers vitamin D levels during pregnancy may contribute to:
– Pregnancy induced hypertension
– Preeclampsia
– Gestational diabetes
– Poor fetal growth
– Preterm delivery
– Post partum depression
Therefore it’s recommended to discuss with your OBGYN during routine pregnancy visits regarding any possibility of vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is common but varies according to the geographic location and ethnicity.
Vitamin D is produced in human skin as a result of sunlight. Ultraviolet B energy in sunlight converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). This process is efficient in meeting vitamin D requirement of the body usually however in certain people, the production of vitamin D can be hindered due to:
– Using sunscreens
– Reduced exposure to sunlight
– Darker pigmentation of skin
Although there are no established cut of values for optimal vitamin D levels during pregnancy, however studies have found correlations between poor pregnancy outcomes and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 75 nmole/liter (equivalent to almost 30 ng/ml). Most laboratories follow the normal range of 25(OH)D to be 30 to 74 ng/ml.
Managing vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy
Healthy diet and adequate exposure to the sunlight is essential for normal vitamin D levels, especially during pregnancy when the need is increased. Due to any reason if there’s still reduced vitamin D levels during pregnancy, consult with your OBGYN specialist before coming to any conclusions and trying any remedies on your own as some might not be recommended in your specific case.
Some options to replenish the body’s supply of vitamin D during pregnancy include:
– Diet rich in vitamin D
o Fatty fishes (mackerel, trout, salmon, tuna, eel, etc.)
o Mushrooms grown in ultraviolet light, having the capability to produce vitamin D3 (Doles, portabellos)
o Milk (not from all sources)
o Packaged foods fortified with vitamin D3
o Egg yolk
o Beef liver
o Cod liver oil
– Vitamin D3 supplements
Vitamin D levels aren’t measured during routine OBGYN visits during pregnancy as a standard practice currently. However keeping in view it’s importance and implications of reduced vitamin D levels, it’s a good practice to get them checked on OBGYN visits during pregnancy and discuss with the ob/gyn specialist for expert opinion regarding your case.
