Research has shown that a mother’s Vitamin D levels at 26 weeks or less have a positive effect to a baby’s birth weight and head circumference, and for the first trimester actually had a negative impact with babies being born small for their gestational age.
The body cannot develop Vitamin D on its own, so the main source of children and adults alike is exposure to natural sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency can sometimes result in abnormalities in calcium and bone metabolism – studies have even suggested that Vitamin D has been linked to other health conditions.
The research conducted showed that a mother’s Vitamin D levels in the first or second trimester was related to the normal growth of the unborn child when delivered at term. Those who didn’t get enough found that their baby was 46g lighter, after accounting for the characteristics of the mother. Likewise, there is double the risk of delivering a baby with growth restriction if a mother is Vitamin D deficient in the first trimester.
The study examined 2146 women who delivered at term, with Vitamin D levels all measured at 26 weeks or less. The weight of the babies was measured directly after the birth, and the head circumference and placental weight was measured within 24 hours of the child’s birth. This research has provided great evidence for the importance of Vitamin D during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, try to ensure that you get adequate quantities of natural sun exposure, whilst still remaining safe with an effective SPF, and taking a supplement if you feel that you may be lacking. As with any supplement or medication during your pregnancy, speak to your GP first before you take anything, so that you can make sure it is safe for consumption.
How Vitamin D is linked to an unborn child’s weight
