- Risks of lack of vitamin D in pregnancy
- Daily vitamin D recommendation
- Who may have vitamin D deficiency
Taking vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is only recommended when it is confirmed that the pregnant woman has very low levels of vitamin D, below 30ng / ml, through a specific blood test called 25 (OH) D.
When the pregnant woman has a vitamin D deficiency it is important to take supplements such as DePura or D fort because this reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and can make the baby's muscles stronger.
Risks of lack of vitamin D in pregnancy
Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can cause problems such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and premature birth, requiring the use of vitamin D supplements in case of deficiency. Vitamin D can be found in foods such as fish and egg yolk, but its main source is the production in the skin that is exposed to the sun's rays.
Diseases such as obesity and lupus increase the risk of lack of vitamin D, and therefore more care should be taken in these cases. Thus, the lack of vitamin D during pregnancy brings the following risks to the mother and baby:
| Risks for the mother | Risks for the baby |
| Gestational diabetes | Premature birth |
| Pre eclampsia | Increased amount of fat |
| Vaginal infections | Low weight at birth |
| Cesarean deliveries | - |
It is also important to note that obese women pass a lesser amount of vitamin D to the fetus, which increases the risk of problems for the baby. See which are the Signs that can indicate the lack of vitamin D.
Daily vitamin D recommendation
The daily vitamin D recommendation for pregnant women is 600 IU or 15 mcg / day. In general, this recommendation cannot be achieved just by eating foods rich in vitamin D, which is why pregnant women need to take the supplement indicated by the doctor and sunbathe for at least 15 minutes a day. However, women with dark or black skin need about 45 min to 1 hour of sunshine a day to have good vitamin D production.
Usually the recommended dose for pregnant women is 400 IU / day, in the form of capsules or drops.
Who may have vitamin D deficiency
All women may be deficient in vitamin D, but those who have the greatest chance are those who are black, have little exposure to the sun and are vegetarian. In addition, some diseases favor the appearance of vitamin D deficiency, such as:
- Obesity; Lupus; Use of medications such as corticosteroids, anticonvulsants and treatment for HIV; Hyperparathyroidism; Liver failure.
In addition to these diseases, not sunbathing daily, wearing clothes that cover the entire body and constantly using sunscreen are also factors that favor vitamin D deficiency.
