Your health and that of your unborn baby are affected by the nutrients, minerals and vitamins that you consume. In the first trimester, your body is adjusting to pregnancy, and your baby is forming major organs. Vitamin D is crucial for the baby's development, so it's important that you get enough.
Needs
Vitamin D is necessary during pregnancy because it helps your body absorb phosphorous and calcium. The two minerals contribute to the development of your baby's bones and teeth, both of which are forming in the first trimester. Insufficient vitamin D can cause skeletal deformities and retard the baby's growth, according to the Babycenter website.
Recommended Amount
During the first trimester, you need at least 200 International Units of vitamin D a day, which is equal to about 5 mcg. The American Pregnancy Association says, however, that some doctors recommend up to 4,000 IU of vitamin D a day. Your doctor can help you determine the amount that you need during the first trimester, but avoid exceeding 4,000 IU a day unless your doctor recommends it.
Sources
Vitamin D is naturally found in some foods, such as salmon. Fortified products, such as milk, yogurt and cereal can also contain vitamin D. One cup of fortified skim milk has about 98 IU, while one 3.5-oz serving of salmon has about 360 IU. Vitamin D is also found in many prenatal vitamins.
Recommendations
Some factors may make you susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. Your body makes vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun, but if you live in an area without a lot of sunlight, you may be deficient. If you are overweight, your body may be storing a lot of vitamin D in your skin, making it unavailable elsewhere in your body. Talk to your doctor If you think that you aren't getting enough vitamin D via your diet and prenatal vitamin.
