Did you know Vitamin D is both a nutrient and a hormone? Yes, it is a hormone your body produces and a nutrient it absorbs from external sources. Unlike popular belief that standing under the sun helps our bodies "absorb" Vitamin D, your skin actually "makes" the Vitamin D when exposed to the sun. Various factors affect the amount of Vitamin D your body makes or absorbs.
When your body does not get enough Vitamin D, it can lead to a Vitamin D deficiency. Although this may not have any serious impact on many, what if you have a severe Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy? Will it impact the pregnancy or the baby?
First, let's understand why Vitamin D is important in pregnancy and it's role in a healthy pregnancy.
Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption, which in turn promotes the health of your teeth, bones and nails. Vitamin D also helps maintain the health of your immune system and brain and reduces inflammation in the body.
In pregnancy, Vitamin D plays a vital role in ensuring good bone health and development in the fetus. It also improves fetal growth, thus reducing the risk of the fetus being small for gestational age. Vitamin D is also important in reducing the risks of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or preterm delivery.
Vitamin D deficiency is not unheard of among pregnant women, especially in the high-risk category. So, if your Vitamin D levels are a little low, do not panic. Consult your gynaecologist to decide on the best course of action. Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy can affect the expecting mother in the following ways:
Vitamin D is very important for immunity and bone health. Both develop in the fetal stage and will determine the baby's health after birth. During the fetal stage, the cells start dividing rapidly to form the various parts of the body. When Vitamin D levels are insufficient during this time, it will affect the speed and quality of cell division. As a result, the fetus will not develop fully or as per expectations, leading to underweight, underdevelopment, etc.
Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can also influence the physiological functions of the baby's organs, as it can impact how well they develop. It can cause permanent changes to the baby's organs and gene pattern. Vitamin D deficiency can also affect how well the lungs develop. If the lungs don't develop well, it can lead to breathing issues or asthma, affecting the baby's health.
Research evidence also shows that nutrient deficiency can alter the metabolic and immune programming of the fetus during the developmental stage. There is not much information about reversing such impacts on the fetus. Though some diseases can be controlled or improved with Vitamin D and other supplements or medications for the baby, it may not be feasible for all health complications.
If a pregnant woman has very low Vitamin D levels during her pregnancy, it can affect both her health and the baby's health after the delivery. Some possible effects of Vitamin D deficiency on the baby and the mother after the delivery are
According to WHO, Vitamin D supplementation to reduce a deficiency during pregnancy can reduce the risks of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, or a baby being small for gestational age. However, there is insufficient research on using just Vitamin D supplements to meet the requirements during pregnancy, and the data available is very limited.
So, the WHO recommends that pregnant women take supplements only after a doctor's recommendation and that expecting mothers consume foods rich in Vitamin D as well.
If you have a severe Vitamin D deficiency, consult your doctor and ask for supplements and Vitamin D-rich foods during pregnancy. Severe Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can affect maternal health, lactation, and even the baby's health after birth.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient and hormone for the human body. The human skin's ability to synthesise Vitamin D from sun exposure reduces with age. Various factors affect Vitamin D levels in the body. Ensure you have sufficient Vitamin D in your body during pregnancy. Consuming nutritious foods rich in Vitamin D, among other nutrients, is the best option during pregnancy.
It is advisable to take Vitamin D supplements in the winter when sun exposure is limited or insufficient. However, only a doctor can advise the duration, dosage and when to take such supplements. Pregnant women can take multivitamins that can boost overall health. A Vitamin D supplement is necessary only in case of a deficiency.
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, brain development, and immune health. A deficiency can affect the fetus' bone formation, brain development and immune system, among many others.
If necessary, your doctor will prescribe supplements. In general, it is advisable to consume foods rich in Vitamin D, spend some time out in the sun, and follow a nutritious diet to maintain hormonal balance.
In very rare cases, when the Vitamin D levels are very low, it can affect the formation and development of the fetus. This, in turn, can lead to preterm delivery, low birth weight, baby not developing fully, or even pregnancy loss.
Some studies show that Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of fertility issues. For women who are opting for fertility treatments like IVF or ART, low Vitamin D levels can reduce the success rate. In men, low Vitamin D levels can lead to poor semen quality, which in turn can affect the chances of conception.
