Effects of Vitamin D Low During Pregnancy
Low vitamin D during pregnancy can have a detrimental impact on the baby and the mother. It is due to the fact that vitamin D plays an essential role in absorbing calcium from the mother’s body.
Pregnant women with low vitamin D are more likely to have complications such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. They are also more likely to have babies that weigh less than a healthy weight, suffer from neonatal hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) and bone fragility, and have a higher risk of autoimmune diseases later in life.
Increased risk of preterm birth
Vitamin d is needed to maintain calcium and phosphorus levels, which are critical for healthy bones and teeth. It also helps the body absorb other vitamins and minerals, including iron and folate.
Women who are weak in vitamin D have an increased chance of giving birth prematurely. Further study is needed, however, to understand the precise reasons for this problem.
Increased risk of low birth weight
Vitamin d deficiency during pregnancy can lead to lower birth weight for babies, which is required for bone growth. In addition, vitamin d low during pregnancy has been linked to early spontaneous pregnancy loss.
In addition, vitamin d deficiency can affect a woman’s overall health and may increase her risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Therefore, it is essential to ensure a healthy diet and get enough sun exposure to maintain an adequate vitamin d level during pregnancy.
Increased risk of postpartum depression
A low vitamin D level during pregnancy may raise your chances of experiencing postpartum depression. This condition is common in new moms and can affect how you feel.
Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, irritability, and worthlessness. They can interfere with your ability to function normally and with your relationships.
The study found that first-time moms and women with twin births are at the highest risk for PPD symptoms. It also showed that women with a history of depression had a higher rate of symptoms than those without one.
Increased risk of gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that helps your blood sugar (glucose) rise and stay in the suitable range. It happens in some women, usually during the second or third trimester.
Getting a good vitamin D level before becoming pregnant can help reduce your risk of gestational diabetes. In addition, it’s essential to get plenty of sun exposure.
Increased risk of preeclampsia
A lack of vitamin D has been related to an increased risk of preeclampsia.
The condition can be life-threatening to both the mother and the baby. Symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and abnormal liver function.
Many studies have linked low vitamin D levels during pregnancy to an increased risk of preeclampsia. It is especially true for Black women and women of lower income.
Increased risk of fetal growth restriction
Vitamin d is essential for fetal growth and development. It also affects maternal bone health.
A recent study shows that low maternal vitamin d level increases the risk of fetal growth restriction. The findings suggest that women who are vitamin d deficient during pregnancy should increase their intake of calcium-rich food sources.
A deficiency of vitamin d has been associated with adverse outcomes in pregnant women, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. In addition, it has been linked to placental dysfunction. It may result in decreased implantation of extravillous trophoblasts and impaired angiogenesis.
Increased risk of preterm labor
During pregnancy, your body needs vitamin D to help with bone development, immune system function, and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may increase your risk of preterm labor and infection. It is because vitamin D is essential in blood flow to your placenta.
Having deficient vitamin D levels during your first trimester is linked to placental inflammation, which can cause preterm delivery. Taking 4,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily may reduce your risk of preterm labor and infection.
Increased risk of placenta previa
Placenta previa is a problem during pregnancy when the placenta covers or completely blocks the opening of the uterus (cervix). In addition, the placenta is needed to supply the baby with food and oxygen.
Early diagnosis is essential for the mother and fetus. In addition, ultrasound can help find the placenta previa, especially in the second trimester.
Increased risk of fetal growth restriction
Vitamin d is essential for fetal bone development. In addition, it is vital for trophoblast invasion, angiogenesis, and placental implantation.
It also helps regulate GM-CSF and IFN-g expression in the placenta to prevent preeclampsia.
Low maternal vitamin d level is also a risk factor for neonatal low birth weight (LBW). As a result, these infants are at increased risk of multiple long-term and short-term complications, such as respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and chronic renal failure.
