Vitamin D is often overlooked when it comes to expecting mothers and their children, but this important vitamin may offer some real benefits to help keep your baby healthy and strong. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin, and for pregnant women it can be especially beneficial. Studies have suggested that when maternal levels of vitamin D are low, pregnant women may be at higher risk for certain pregnancy-related conditions, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth.

The primary source of vitamin D is the sun, but some foods contain vitamin D too, like fortified milk, salmon, and fortified cereals. While it is important to get enough vitamin D from these sources, it can be difficult for pregnant women to get adequate amounts. That’s why it is recommended that pregnant women take a daily vitamin D supplement of at least 400 IU a day, or as prescribed by their doctor.

There may be a lot of other benefits for both mother and baby associated with vitamin D supplementation. Increasing maternal vitamin D intake has been linked to improved birth outcomes, such as fewer preterm births, decreased risk of low birth weight and smaller head circumference.

Additionally, a developing fetus may benefit from higher vitamin D levels, particularly when it comes to bone health. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, which helps support the development of healthy bones. Vitamin D also helps regulate the immune system, which can be important for protection of the baby during pregnancy and after birth.

Finally, vitamin D plays an important role in reducing inflammation. During pregnancy the body is more susceptible to inflammatory responses due to hormonal changes. Higher levels of vitamin D may help to reduce inflammation and certain health risks associated with pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes.

So it is important for expecting mothers to consider taking a vitamin D supplement and eating foods that contain vitamin D. Not only can getting enough vitamin D help protect the baby, but it may also offer some benefits for the mother as well.