The Importance of Vitamin D in Pregnancy
Vitamin D (AKA the sunshine vitamin) is super important for pregnant women but sadly it is a very common deficiency. Even in Australia with our long summers and loads of sunshine vitamin D deficiency is still common.
A woman’s vitamin D requirements increase during pregnancy because the growing baby is entirely dependent on mum’s stores of vitamin D for growth and development. Like a little squirrel stockpiling for the winter, the growing baby stores vitamin D so when born, it will have enough vitamin D to last 8-12 weeks after birth.
The importance of vitamin D for the newborn baby is so profound that all breastfed babies in the UK are given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth (formula contains vitamin D for those babies’ formula fed). Unfortunately, in Australia we don’t have such guidelines which stresses the importance for pregnant women to ensure their vitamin D levels are adequate during their pregnancy.
Vitamin D and your growing baby…why is it so important?
Vitamin D is vital for the development of your baby’s brain, immune system, skeletal growth and tooth mineralisation. Adequate vitamin D status of the mother is important during the second half of the pregnancy for healthy brain development of the baby. Studies have also linked vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy to the development of allergies, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer later in life for the growing baby.
It’s not all about the baby. Why is vitamin D important for pregnant mum’s?
Vitamin D absorption increases naturally during pregnancy with vitamin D receptors found in the placenta, bones and brain. Women with low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of:
Delivering a low birth weight baby
Bacterial vaginosis during the pregnancy
Colds and flus during the pregnancy
Pre eclampsia and
Gestational diabetes
Ensuring your vitamin D levels are adequate before or at least during your pregnancy is vital for a healthy baby AND a healthy pregnancy for you.
Why might my vitamin D be low?
Did you know your genes, diet and your gut health can affect your vitamin D levels! Yep I said gut health! Other factors that can increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency are having dark skin, an office job, working night shift and obesity.
How do you know if you have low vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a simple, inexpensive blood test. Have you had your levels checked lately? Always ask for a copy of your blood test as some doctors are happy with a level over 50 nmol/L but for pregnancy the optimal level is over 80 nmol/L.
When to test
The best time to test for vitamin D is before you get pregnant as part of your preconception care but if you are pregnant then it is never too early or too late to get your vitamin D levels tested.
What do I do if my vitamin D levels are low?
If you are pregnant and your vitamin D levels are low then supplementation is a must. It is important you speak with your health care provider as supplementation during pregnancy must be individualised to ensure optimal levels are achieved during the pregnancy. There is also evidence that suggests supplemental vitamin D increases lactation in some women.
Are your vitamin D levels adequate?
Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy is super important to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Are you pregnant? I provide consultations online for pregnant women who would like a more tailored approach to their pregnancy health and nutrition and to help ensure not only a healthy pregnancy but the delivery of a healthy baby.