fbpx

Benefits of Vitamin D and Pregnancy

October 12, 2020

Woman taking a pill with water
For expecting moms, getting optimal nutrition and vitamin intake is essential in maintaining an overall healthy pregnancy. While there are multiple vitamins and minerals that provide significant health benefits, today we’re giving the spotlight to vitamin D – a very important steroid hormone that helps boost immunity, promote growth, and protect against serious pregnancy complications.1

Boosting Immune Function

Although the research isn’t completely conclusive, many scientists are starting to look closely at the possible link between vitamin D and immune function. One study’s findings indicated that low levels of vitamin D may contribute to increased risk of contracting the coronavirus or developing a severe case of COVID-19.2 There is no direct evidence, since it is still such a new disease; however, the early research indicates that taking a vitamin D supplement could be beneficial in fighting this and other flu-like diseases.2

Promotes Healthy Cell and Bone Growth

Vitamin D has long been known to promote healthy bone and cell growth. However, scientists are also studying the effects of vitamin D on other parts of the body, including organ tissue. Many of the body’s tissues have receptors for vitamin D, which suggests it may offer important benefits beyond bone health.3

Without enough vitamin D, our bodies cannot effectively absorb calcium, a necessary ingredient for building healthy, strong bones. Women who are pregnant should discuss vitamin D supplements and the recommended levels to ensure their babies are getting the necessary amount to promote skeletal development.

May Lower Risk of Certain Pregnancy Complications

Vitamin D is associated with lowering the risk of two common yet potentially dangerous pregnancy complications: gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.4 Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar and can adversely affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health. For women with gestational diabetes, blood sugar levels typically return to normal after giving birth; however, women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later on.5

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system (usually the liver or kidneys.) Preeclampsia typically begins after about 20 weeks of pregnancy for women whose blood pressure had been normal. If left untreated, preeclampsia can be a very serious, life-threatening condition.6

Getting the recommended amount of vitamin D during pregnancy, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, may help expecting mothers to avoid these conditions. However, always consult your doctor before beginning a new vitamin or supplement regimen.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Vitamin D graphic

Connect with Prenate®

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

Pin It on Pinterest