Getting an appropriate amount of vitamin D during pregnancy is essential for the health of you and your unborn baby. The Institute of Medicine publishes guidelines regarding how much vitamin D a woman needs during pregnancy. Some women, however, may require a different amount of vitamin D based on their individual circumstances. Always talk to your doctor to determine how much vitamin D is appropriate for you.
Importance of Vitamin D During Pregnancy
A vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can have numerous consequences. Pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and a higher likelihood of needing a cesarean section, may occur. Your baby may have growth retardation, skeletal deformities or a lower birth weight if you don't get enough vitamin D during pregnancy. The likelihood of your baby developing rickets after childbirth increases when a vitamin D deficiency is present. Rickets may cause abnormal bone growth, delayed physical development and an increased risk of fractures and deformities.
Amounts
The Institute of Medicine increased the recommended daily intake amount of vitamin D for pregnant women in November 2010. The amount of vitamin D recommended for pregnant women between the ages of 19 and 50 was increased from 5 mcg to 15 mcg per day. This is the equivalent of 600 IU. The amount of vitamin D a pregnant women can safely take in a day without experiencing side effects, known as the tolerable upper intake level, was also increased. Pregnant women should limit their vitamin D consumption to no more than 100 mcg, or 4,000 IU, a day. Getting more than this amount may cause increased urination, loss of appetite, weight loss and heart arrhythmias. It also may raise blood levels of calcium, which may lead to damage to the kidneys, heart and blood vessels.
Sources of Vitamin D
While pregnant women should try to meet some of their vitamin requirements through food, there are very few foods that contain vitamin D. Even fortified foods, like cereals and milk, have limited amounts of this vitamin. Direct exposure to sunlight is another source of vitamin D, but numerous variables influence the amount of vitamin D you obtain this way. Despite your best efforts with food and sunlight, you will most likely be unable to meet your requirements without some form of supplementation.
Prenatal Vitamins
Vitamin D is typically present in prenatal vitamins, but the specific amount may vary greatly depending on the brand. Since the recommended amount of vitamin D for pregnant women changed in November 2010, some brands may still be following the old recommendations and only contain 400 IU or less of this vitamin. Check the nutrition label to determine how much vitamin D is present. If this amount is well under the recommended amount, ask your doctor if you could benefit from switching to a different brand or taking an extra vitamin D supplement.
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