Sun Vitamin-D Deficiency during Pregnancy

A steroid vitamin belonging to a class of fat-soluble prohormones is vitamin D.

Pregnancy and vitamin D go hand in hand. For the sake of their own health as well as the proper development of their unborn child, expectant moms should make sure they obtain the required quantities of vitamin D during pregnancy.

Even when the body makes vitamin D when exposed to the sun, some women—especially expectant mothers who live in places with less sun or have darker skin—find it difficult to get enough. Taking a daily prenatal vitamin during pregnancy will help meet your vitamin D needs, even if it is difficult (but not impossible!) to find fat-soluble vitamins in food sources.

Vitamin D deficiency can present with mild symptoms. Muscle pain, weakness, bone pain, and weak bones that can break are some of them.

Vitamin-D supplement in Pregnancy

Most prenatal vitamins contain only 400 IU (10 mcg) of vitamin D, so you may need to take a supplement. Additionally, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone, even when you choose a fortified diet.

What about getting vitamin D from the sun?

Your skin uses the sun’s rays to make vitamin D, so some experts recommend getting some (limited) sun exposure. For light skin 10-30 minutes (2-3 days a week) of sun while for darker skin 30-45 minutes will work. When sun hits the skin, it produces Vitamin D3, however liver and kidney convert it into Vitamin D. That’s the vitamin that the body needs and uses.

However, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet [UV] rays accelerate pigment changes that can cause irregular skin darkening in pregnant women.

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps absorbs calcium creating stronger bones

It improves immune system leading to lower diseases and health risks

Plays excellent stabilizing role in mood regulation

For fetus, it reduces the chances of allergies and asthma in future.