The Relationship Between Vitamin D And Pregnancy

For several years now, low levels of vitamin D in people have been recorded during their annual or monthly blood tests. While it’s clear that deficiency leads to bone and immune problems, experts have linked vitamin D to pregnancy.

Did you know that about 20 to 40 percent (Spanish link) of pregnant women have insufficient levels of this vitamin? This is sometimes a problem for both the mother and the proper development of the fetus.

This vitamin is involved in the correct implantation of the fetus in the womb. A deficiency increases the risk factor for preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, among other things. Do you want to know more? Keep reading.

Vitamin D and Women’s Health

It is a hormone synthesized from the 7-dehydrocholesterol present in the skin when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is also present in foods rich in fat, such as egg yolks, dairy products and fatty fish.

One of its functions is to promote the absorption of calcium in the gut to strengthen the bones. It is also responsible for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal wall and activating immune cells to fight infection. It even stimulates the secretion of anti-inflammatory substances.

One of the main problems caused by vitamin D deficiencies is difficulty conceiving and the risk of miscarriage. It acts on the endometrium and promotes the implantation of embryos without rejection. Something that research hasn’t shown yet is its impact on egg and sperm quality.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Pregnancy: Preeclampsia

Vitamin D deficiency usually occurs from the 20th week of pregnancy and manifests itself in the form of:

• high blood pressure (systolic above 140 mmHg and diastolic above 90 mmHg)
• sudden weight gain
• fluid retention
• swelling of the feet

This vitamin acts on the renin-angiotensin system, it prevents placental vasoconstriction and stimulates vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cell proliferation. In addition, there is a decrease in urinary calcium excretion and an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) excretion. As a result, active vitamin D levels decrease.

gestational diabetes

This type of diabetes gets its name from the fact that doctors usually first diagnose it during pregnancy. It involves an increase in blood glucose due to a lack of insulin sensitivity. And while there are several risk factors, it seems that insufficient vitamin D can increase the risk by 39 percent.

In addition, when pregnant women maintain normal vitamin D levels, there is a decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin, blood glucose, and insulin levels. These findings indicate that insulin sensitivity improves significantly, although experts are not aware of the mechanisms involved. Still, they suspect that calcium has something to do with it.

Other Complications

Studies have also shown that the risk of having a cesarean section is higher in women with a vitamin D deficiency. This is because of the uterine muscles and the subsequent problems they can have. Deficiency also facilitates the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth. However, the results are controversial and more studies are needed.

In addition, experts believe that the right levels of vitamin D prevent postpartum depression. This is due to its involvement in neuronal protection against oxidation and the synthesis of dopamine, which regulates mood. As for children with low vitamin D levels, they tend to develop recurrent respiratory infections during the first five years of life.

Conclusion on Vitamin D and Pregnancy

As you have seen, vitamin D is essential at every stage of life, especially during pregnancy. By maintaining good levels (40-60 ng/ml), you help prevent the risk of complications before, during and after pregnancy and your child will grow up healthy.

The fact that you have good vitamin D levels also affects your child’s vitamin D levels. And while exposure to sunlight for at least 15-20 minutes a day is recommended, that alone is not enough to achieve levels above 30 ng/ml.

Therefore, it is always best to consult a doctor or health professional for advice on the dosage and brand of a supplement. It is advisable to take it in the morning with foods rich in fat, such as extra virgin olive oil, a slice of cheese or avocado.