Vitamin D for pregnant women: what is it for, how to drink

Doctors prescribe vitamin D during pregnancy to accelerate the absorption of phosphorus and calcium. Medical research has shown that the vitamin also promotes the release of chorionic gonadotropin, which is responsible for the growth of progesterone. Thanks to vitamin support, the risk of premature termination of pregnancy is significantly reduced.

Is it possible for pregnant women to take vitamin D

Vitamin D is a complex of biologically active substances that is synthesized under the influence of sunlight or enters the body with food. In medicine, it is called cholecalciferol. Vitamin takes part in metabolic processes and the production of sex hormones. For medicinal purposes, vitamin D is often prescribed in conjunction with preparations containing phosphorus and calcium. This is due to the fact that vitamin D accelerates their absorption by the small intestine.

Vitamin D is not prohibited for pregnant women. It is part of many multivitamin complexes designed for use during the period of gestation. An excess of the vitamin carries the same danger as its deficiency. Therefore, it is extremely important to observe the dosage selected by the attending physician.

Why do pregnant women need vitamin D

During pregnancy, the female body's need for vitamins is most acute. This is due to the fact that the child receives all the necessary substances from the mother's body. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy inhibits the work of the corpus luteum, which can provoke various complications.

Indications for taking vitamin:

• diabetes;
• arterial hypertension;
• risk of miscarriage;
• neurodermatitis;
• poor absorption of phosphorus and calcium.

In the prenatal period, cholecalciferol helps to improve uterine contractility. This has a beneficial effect on the birth process. Refusal to take vitamin complexes increases the likelihood of an urgent need for a cesarean section. Hypovitaminosis is also capable of provoking a deterioration in a woman's well-being.

The norm of vitamin D during pregnancy

Normally, in women of reproductive age, the norm for vitamin D is 9.5-55 ng / ml. During pregnancy, this indicator increases several times. Parameters from 30 ng / ml to 100 ng / ml will be considered the norm. If minor deviations from the norm are permissible, then serious violations can indicate big problems. A decrease in the index to 20 ng / ml may indicate the development of preeclampsia.

How does vitamin D affect pregnancy

Cholecalciferol plays an essential role not only during pregnancy, but also in preparation for it. It has a positive effect on the structure of the endometrium to which the embryo is attached. Lack of cholecalciferol contributes to decreased fertility. This is due to a slowdown in the work of the ovaries.

During pregnancy in the 1st trimester, vitamin D is responsible for the hormonal activity of the placenta, thereby preventing miscarriage. The need for it may depend on the season. If the main time for bearing a child was in the fall or winter, the need for a useful substance increases. This is due to decreased solar activity.

In the 2nd trimester, the intake of cholecalciferol into the body ensures the prevention of gestosis, which is often accompanied by diabetes mellitus. In addition, it reduces the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis, to which women are located in position. The disease develops due to a decrease in immune defense. Taking vitamin complexes allows you to strengthen it, preventing various pathological processes.

During pregnancy in the 3rd trimester, vitamin D helps the body prepare for childbirth. It ensures the correct contractility of the myometrium. During labor, calcium stores are depleted. If concomitant pathologies are present, the likelihood increases that the process of labor will be weakened. Against the background of vitamin deficiency, the immune system suffers. This increases the risk of developing infectious diseases during the postpartum period.

Lack of vitamin D during pregnancy

If vitamin D is lowered during pregnancy, the woman is shown taking biological supplements. Experts have proven that people living in Russia are in dire need of calciferol. Residents of the Northern regions are at high risk. To normalize the level of a beneficial substance in the body, drugs are prescribed even at the stage of preparation for pregnancy for preventive purposes.

Cholecalciferol deficiency can lead to various abnormalities and premature birth. A woman's bones, hair, nails and teeth can be weakened. This is due to insufficient absorption of calcium in the body of a pregnant woman. In some cases, against the background of hypovitaminosis, the walls of the vessels become thinner, which leads to their destruction. There is also a risk of developing rickets in a child.

Excess vitamin D3 during pregnancy

Cholecalciferol has the ability to accumulate in the body. Therefore, doctors do not recommend exceeding the permissible dosages. As a result of an overabundance of the beneficial substance, a large amount of calcium salts are deposited in the soft tissues. On this basis, the work of the cardiovascular system deteriorates.

The following symptoms appear:

• vomiting and nausea;
• stool disturbance;
• pain in the muscles;
• increased pressure;
• headache;
• dyspnea.

Practice shows that excessive intake of cholecalciferol during pregnancy can lead to the child becoming allergic in the future. The problem does not always make itself felt immediately after the birth of the baby. It can occur suddenly against a background of decreased immunity. Therefore, it is highly undesirable to exceed the prescribed dosage.

It is not necessary to exclude foods rich in vitamin D from the diet when taking medications. Also, it is not necessary to limit exposure to the sun. The fact is that the vitamin is produced in the body only in the open sun in the interval from 11 to 14 hours.

When should pregnant women drink vitamin D

Women planning pregnancy and carrying a child are at risk of developing hypovitaminosis. The situation is aggravated by living in northern latitudes and adherence to a vegetarian diet. Therefore, vitamin supplements are recommended to be taken 2-3 months before conception. Reception is better to continue until childbirth. In some cases, drugs are also prescribed in the postpartum period. Signs of an acute shortage of a nutrient during pregnancy include:

• convulsions;
• decreased vision;
• disturbed appetite;
• insomnia;
• increased risk of developing varicose veins;
• a burning sensation in the esophagus and mouth;
• weight loss.

Dosage of vitamin D during pregnancy

Vitamin D for pregnant women is indicated for taking in combination with calcium. The dosage is calculated individually after passing the appropriate tests. It is not recommended to select it yourself.

The release of cholecalciferol is carried out in the form:

• oil solution;
• drops;
• solution for injection.

It is recommended to take oral forms of the drug during pregnancy in the morning. In this case, the absorption of the active components is faster. The average daily dosage of vitamin D for women in the position is 4000-5000 IU. A dosage of less than 800 IU per day is considered completely useless.

Rules for taking vitamin D during pregnancy

The scheme of taking vitamin D depends on which drug it is included in. In most cases, a single dose of pills is assumed. One of the best complexes with vitamin D content for pregnant women is Vitrum Prenatal. It is taken one tablet once a day. Reception is desirable in the morning after breakfast.

The drug "Alphabet Mom's Health" is taken three times a day. In this case, the interval between doses should not exceed four hours. The tablet is washed down with plenty of water without chewing. The average duration of a dietary supplement during pregnancy is eight weeks. After completing the course, take a short break. In some cases, the drug is administered continuously.

Vitamin D drops during pregnancy are prescribed in a dosage of two to eight drops daily. A common drug with cholecalciferol in the form of drops is "Aquadetrim". It is taken in 2-3 drops. Sometimes the regimen is changed, adjusting to the individual characteristics of the organism.

The drug "Ultra-D" is produced in tablet form. One tablet contains 1000 IU of active ingredient. Women in position are advised to take half a tablet a day. Reception is carried out with meals.

Contraindications and side effects

Vitamin D3 for pregnant women should not be taken uncontrollably and without first consulting a doctor. In certain situations, it can be harmful to health. Absolute contraindications include:

• tuberculosis;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• violation of the heart;
• individual intolerance to the drug.

Side effects occur when the drug is taken incorrectly. With an excessive intake of cholecalciferol into the body, it accumulates in the liver. This provokes toxic poisoning.

Side effects during pregnancy include the following:

• cardiac arrhythmia;
• weight loss;
• polyuria;
• increased thirst;
• an increase in body temperature;
• headaches;
• stool disorder.

The opinion of doctors

According to doctors, vitamin D is extremely important both during early pregnancy and before labor. It facilitates the process of carrying a child and promotes the correct development of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, the intake of the vitamin into the body prevents the risk of developing diabetes mellitus and reduces swelling. It is strictly forbidden to refuse the use of vitamin complexes. But you should remember about the need to follow the regimen.

It is equally important to take into account the peculiarities of the use of certain forms of drugs.The aqueous solution is absorbed much faster than the oil concentrate. Cholecalciferol should only be taken in conjunction with calcium. Otherwise, there will be no point in treatment. The beneficial substance has a tendency to accumulate in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to take breaks between treatment and prophylactic courses.

Before using the vitamin complex, you need to make sure that it can be combined with other drugs. Heart control, birth control, steroids, and laxatives can reduce the absorption of the vitamin. In summer, the need for this substance decreases, but this does not mean that you need to completely abandon it. It is enough to cut the dosage in half. But it is advisable to discuss this point with your doctor.

Conclusion

Vitamin D during pregnancy should be used with caution, having studied all contraindications and possible side effects. When used correctly, it will help prevent a myriad of pathologies. Overdose is fraught with dangerous side effects.