How Vitamin D Deficiency During Pregnancy Could Affect the Child
A recent study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that a deficiency in vitamin D during pregnancy can have an impact.
A recent study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that a deficiency in vitamin D during pregnancy can have an impact. They have found that it has a negative effect on the motor skills and social development of preschool children. The study examined data collected from more than 7000 mothers and their child. It was found that pregnant women who didn’t have sufficient vitamin D were more likely to have children with low scores for gross.
It was found that fine motor development in preschool development tests compared to children whose mothers received plenty of vitamin D. These are carried out at age 2 ½ years. It includes tests to assess their coordination. For example, being able to kick a ball and jumping and balancing as well as usage of fine muscles with tests that included building a brick tower and holding a pencil.
In addition to motor skills, vitamins D deficiency was found to negatively affect a child’s social development at age 3 ½. Despite these early developmental concerns, researchers didn’t find any association between vitamin D levels and tests to assess abilities in older age children. Previous studies carried out in animals have found neurocognitive development in the womb is affected when a mother has low levels of vitamin D.
It’s believed that the interactions between dopamine in the brain of the developing baby and vitamin D could play an important role. It plays a role in the development of brain areas responsible for controlling social and motor development. It has been found that vitamin D regulates the amount of phosphate and calcium in the body, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Good vitamin D levels have also been associated with a reduced risk of autoimmune diseases.
It is also associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases. Vitamin D is found in various foods and is derived from exposure to sunlight. Good foods for vitamin D include oily fish such as mackerel, fresh tuna, salmon, and sardines. It is also present in small amounts in red meat and eggs as well as in some fortified spreads and breakfast cereals.
Despite being found in a wide variety of foods, a person would need to eat at least 100 grams of oily fish each day. This is just to get the recommended daily dose of vitamin D from food alone. This is why many obstetricians and gynecologists recommend that pregnant women take a vitamin D supplement. They should do so especially during fall and winter months when vitamin D cannot be derived from sunlight.
However, there are warnings not to take vitamin D to excess. As with any kind of supplement, vitamin D can be toxic if too much is consumed. Advice on diet during pregnancy is just one of the reasons why it’s essential to seek out good obstetric care.
Why Good Obstetric Care Is Important during Pregnancy
If you’re planning to add to your family, it is a good idea to have a checkup with your gynecologist beforehand. This is just to make sure you are healthy enough for pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, it’s vital to get great obstetric care. Getting the very best medical care will help ensure you stay strong and healthy right throughout your pregnancy and that you have a healthy baby.
It’s especially important if you have had previous problems with pregnancies or if there is any indication that this may be a high-risk pregnancy for you both. Your first visit will be the longest as your obstetrician will need to know your medical history as well as your partner’s medical history. They will need some information about your family’s medical history.
This is just to make sure there aren’t any factors that would require extra care. It is important to tell your doctor about every single medication you currently take as some may be dangerous to use during pregnancy. Your doctor will give you a complete check-up which includes a Pap test, pelvic exam and breast exam and they will screen you for diseases including diabetes.
Your obstetrician will also want to discuss your diet and the need for vitamins during pregnancy. As well as vitamin D, you will probably need a folic acid supplement which can be taken before you even become pregnant. During this appointment, you will get lots of useful advice on any changes that might be required to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.
Above all, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your baby are being properly cared for so they can have the best possible start in life.
