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Vitamin D3 Pregnancy Dose

vitamin d3 pregnancy dose

When it comes to a sufficient vitamin D3 pregnancy dose, pregnant women should ideally be taking 400-600 IU of vitamin D each day to achieve optimal wellness for themselves and their unborn baby.

At Vitamart, we understand how important it is for Canadian women to access affordable, additive-free supplements, and we're here to support you throughout your pregnancy journey.

In this article, we'll explore the role of vitamin D3 in pregnancy, how to ensure you're meeting your nutrition needs, and practical tips to get the right dosage for you and your child.

What this article covers:

Can I Take Vitamin D3 During Pregnancy?

If you're going to have a baby, you can—and should—take vitamin D3 during your pregnancy.

It's an essential vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium, which supports the development of your baby's bones and teeth.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adequate vitamin D quantities also reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as:

  • preeclampsia
  • low birthweight
  • gestational diabetes
  • preterm birth

For many women, relying solely on food sources of vitamin D—such as fish, eggs, or fortified dairy—can be insufficient for their needs.

A high-quality vitamin D3 supplement ensures you're meeting your daily requirements without relying on unpredictable factors like diet and weather.

We advise always consulting with a medical practitioner to tailor the dosage to your specific needs and that of your unborn baby.

vitamin d pregnancy

Why Do I Need Vitamin D3 During Pregnancy?

Vitamin D3 plays a critical role in maintaining yours and your child's well being during pregnancy.

The National Institutes of Health reported that vitamin D3 ensures a baby's bones, teeth, and muscles develop properly while supporting their immune system. For expectant mothers, this means fewer risks of complications like infections or chronic fatigue while pregnant.

Through our practical knowledge, we've observed that vitamin D3 also helps regulate your mood and energy levels during pregnancy.

This is particularly valuable in Canada, where Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can impact many pregnant women during the long and cold winter months.

Moreover, while vitamin D3 is primarily known for its roles in bone health and energy amounts, it also has some vitamin D3 benefits for hair.

By regulating the hair follicle cycle, vitamin D3 encourages stronger, thicker hair. For many pregnant women, this is an added bonus during a time when hormonal changes can impact hair quality.

This typically occurs during the resting phase of the hair cycle, when the follicles grow more slowly, causing the strands to weaken and fall out. Luckily, this is just temporary and won't stop your hair from returning to normal once your baby's born.

Overall, pregnancy is a time when your body works harder to support two lives. This increased demand makes it crucial to conserve adequate levels of essential nutrients like vitamin D3.

Not only does this protect your baby's development, but it also helps you feel strong and energised throughout this special journey.

vitamin d3 pregnancy

Do My Prenatal Vitamins Have Enough Vitamin D3?

Many prenatal vitamins include vitamin D3, but they may not provide the full 400-600 IU recommended for pregnant women.

According to Sanford Health News, some formulas contain as little as 200 IU, which could leave you with a shortfall, especially if your diet isn't rich in vitamin D.

It's a good idea to read the label on your prenatal vitamins carefully and speak with your healthcare provider about additional supplementation wherever necessary.

Based on our first-hand experience, many pregnant women benefit from adding a standalone vitamin D supplement to their routine to ensure they're meeting their daily needs.

What Contributes To Vitamin D Deficiency In Pregnant Women?

Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common, particularly among people (pregnant women included) in Canada. Our country's long winters and limited sunlight can make it challenging to maintain healthy quantities of this vital nutrient.

Here are key factors that can cause this deficiency:

  • Limited Sun Exposure: In Canada, the sun's UVB rays are weaker during winter months, reducing natural vitamin D production. As such, pregnant women often spend less time outdoors, further limiting their exposure.
  • Darker Skin Tones: Pregnant women with darker skin tones face added challenges as melanin reduces your skin's ability to synthesise vitamin D from sunlight.
  • Dietary Gaps: Pregnant women need vitamin D for their baby's bone development and their own well being. Dietary gaps make fortified foods or supplements pivotal for preventing complications during pregnancy.

Our research indicates that vitamin D3 is one of the most reliable ways to address these challenges and ensure optimal levels during pregnancy, supporting both maternal and baby health.

vitamin d supplement

What Are Normal Vitamin D Levels In Pregnant Women?

Normal amounts of vitamin D are typically measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) and range from 20-50 ng/mL in adults, including pregnant women.

During pregnancy, it's particularly important to stay within this range to ensure both your wellness and your baby's development.

A 25-hydroxyvitamin D test can help determine whether you're deficient. If your levels are below the recommended range, your doctor may suggest a higher dosage of vitamin D3 for a set period during your pregnancy.

Is Vitamin D3 Safe To Take In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy?

Taking vitamin D3 during the first trimester of pregnancy is both safe and beneficial.

In fact, early supplementation can have a lasting impact on your baby's growth and development. This is the time when your baby's skeletal system begins forming, making adequate calcium absorption vital.

Drawing from our experience, we at Vitamart suggest incorporating vitamin D3 into your prenatal routine as soon as possible.

Starting early not only benefits your baby but also supports your immune system and energy levels, which are pivotal during this transformative time.

Is Too Much Vitamin D3 Bad During Pregnancy?

While vitamin D3 is vital, it's important to avoid exceeding the safe upper limit of 4,000 IU per day unless directed by a medical practitioner.

Too much vitamin D3 can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition characterised by excessive calcium in the blood, which can harm both you and your baby.

Always follow the vitamin D3 dosage recommendations provided by your doctor to ensure you're getting the right balance.

vitamin d3 pregnancy dose

What Steps Can You Take to Get Vitamin D3 While Pregnant?

From your diet, supplementation, and spending safe amounts out in the sun, there are a number of options for helping you get more vitamin D while you're pregnant.

What Are The Best Forms Of Vitamin D3 For Pregnant Women?

Vitamin D3 is available in various forms, with each one having specific benefits:

  • Capsules: Convenient for pregnant women already taking multiple supplements, vitamin D softgels offer a precise amount, making it easy to incorporate into a daily routine.
  • Liquid Drops: Perfect for pregnant women who dislike swallowing pills, vitamin D drops provide flexibility in quantities and can be mixed with beverages.
  • Gummies: A delicious alternative, vitamin D gummies combine enjoyment with nutrition. This makes it easier for pregnant women to stay consistent with supplementation during pregnancy.
  • Sprays: Based on our observations, vitamin D sprays are a viable option for pregnant women due to their ease of use and precise dosing capabilities.

What Other Supplements Should I Take During Pregnancy?

In addition to vitamin D3, pregnant women in Canada should consider taking these supplements:

  • Folic Acid: Critical during pregnancy, folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects by promoting proper spinal cord and brain development in your unborn child.
  • Iron: As an essential nutrient during pregnancy, iron supplements for women are crucial in correcting anaemia in moms-to-be. This ensures an adequate supply of oxygen for both mother and baby.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids occur naturally in various food products, such as salmon, nuts, and avocados. These healthy dietary fats contribute to optimal brain and eye development in your baby.
  • Calcium: When paired with vitamin D3, a calcium supplement strengthens the bones and teeth of both the mother and the developing child.

Combining these supplements with a balanced diet can help ensure a healthy pregnancy from start to finish.

vitamin d3 pregnancy

Conclusion

In this article, we discovered that the right vitamin D3 pregnancy dose is essential for the health of both mother and baby.

So, what are you waiting for?

Explore our range of vitamin D3 supplements today at Vitamart and take the next step towards a healthier pregnancy now!

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