Benefits of Vitamin D in Pregnancy
Vitamin D is one of my favorite vitamins. The bible often describes light as a source of life, health and divine presence. Ecclesiastes 11:7 states “Light is sweet, and it is a pleasure for the eyes to see the sun. In Malachi 4:2 “but for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.” We could interpret this scripture metaphorically; we can also link to how sunlight (which helps produce Vitamin D) plays a role in human health.
While the Bible does not directly mention Vitamin D, it frequently highlights the importance of light, healing, and God’s provision through nature. Sunlight, a natural source of Vitamin D, can be seen as part of God’s design for human well-being.
Vitamin D intake supports maternal immune function and reduces risk of infection, lowers risk of pregnancy complication, supports baby’s immune development, and much more.
Mother’s Immune System
On your initial visit we will test your vitamin D levels. (Adequate levels of vitamin D for women are 30-100 ng/ml 30 on the lesser side of good, insufficient levels are 20-29 ng/ml and deficient levels are <20 ng/ml). If you test the range of adequate, thankfully we have enough vitamin D within most of our recommended prenatal vitamins and diet. If your levels are below adequate, we discuss ways to increase your vitamin D levels with nutritional food choices and supplements.
Infections
Adequate vitamin D levels can help lower the risk of respiratory infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other common illnesses that could complicate pregnancy. We want to prevent all infections to avoid taking antibiotics. Some studies have shown concerns about antibiotic use during pregnancy disrupting the maternal and neonatal microbiome, potentially increasing risk for conditions like asthma, allergies, or obesity in children. In my experience when I have had clients on antibiotics for UTI’s and other infections we also see an increased risk of other infections, such as yeast infections.
Other Complications
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. The way Vitamin D works is, it helps regulate inflammation and blood pressure, supporting a healthy pregnancy. Vitamin D helps regulate insulin by helping get sugar into the cells of our body.
Supports the Baby’s Immune
Vitamin D crosses the placenta, influencing fetal immune system development. It helps reduce the risk of childhood allergies, asthma, and autoimmune conditions by promoting a balanced immune response. During Pregnancy your vitamin D levels also influence the growing baby’s immune system development. This is why it is very important to check our vitamin D levels during pregnancy.
Sunlight is a prime source of Vitamin D. Malachi 4:2 says “but for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”
Sources of Vitamin D
Sunlight: 10–30 minutes of sun exposure (depending on skin tone and location).
Diet: Fatty fish (salmon, tuna), fortified dairy, eggs, and mushrooms.
Supplements: Often recommended if dietary intake and sun exposure are insufficient.
Recommended Intake:
600 IU (15 mcg) per day is the general guideline, but there are cases where I will suggest 1000–4000 IU for optimal immune support during pregnancy.
Tip: Magnesium is the most crucial mineral in our body. Magnesium transports vitamin D through the kidneys where it converts the inactive form of vitamin D into an active form which helps get vitamin D in our body. Even if you're taking vitamin D supplements, it may not be effectively utilized without adequate magnesium levels; essentially, low magnesium makes vitamin D "inactive" and unable to perform its functions properly. (Zittermann, 2013)
Learn more about Magnesium in Pregnancy on the blog.
As a midwife I strive to support clients in maintaining a low-risk status. The goal is to reduce pregnancy-related complications to ensure your family experiences the home birth you desire. By taking supplements like Vitamin D and monitoring levels through pregnancy, you can reduce the likelihood of developing adverse conditions that can arise during pregnancy.
Love always, your midwife Faren