Vitamin D is one of the important nutrients needed by pregnant women. This is because the benefits of vitamin D for pregnant women are not small, ranging from supporting fetal growth to reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Vitamin D can be produced by the body naturally when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Therefore, one of the easy and effective ways to get vitamin D intake is to bask in the morning sun.
In addition to sunlight, vitamin D can also be obtained from foods rich in vitamin D, one of which is marine fish, such as salmon, tuna, tuna, and mackerel.
Vitamin D can also be obtained from eggs, milk, cheese, beef liver, and cereals that have been fortified with vitamin D. For some conditions, vitamin D needs can also be met by taking vitamin D supplements. However, you are advised to consult a doctor first before consuming it.
Because it plays an important role for the health of the body, especially for bones and teeth, everyone is advised to meet the needs of vitamin D in the body, including pregnant women.
Benefits of Vitamin D for Pregnant Women
The following are some other benefits of vitamin D for pregnant women and fetuses:
1. Supports the growth of baby's bones and teeth
Vitamin D is useful for regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. Calcium and phosphate are important minerals needed by the fetus to form bone and tooth tissue. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing rickets in the fetus.
To meet the needs of vitamin D, pregnant women are advised to regularly bask in the sun in the morning before 9 am for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a week.
When sunbathing, always use sunscreen that is safe for pregnant women to prevent skin damage due to sun exposure. Pregnant women also need to wear a wide hat and sunglasses to protect their face and eyes from the hot sun.
2. Lowers the risk of gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a condition when blood sugar levels in a pregnant woman's body rise too high.
Gestational diabetes is one of the complications of pregnancy that can increase the risk of various health problems in pregnant women and fetuses, such as premature birth, babies born with excess weight, to preeclampsia.
Several studies reveal that adequate intake of vitamin D during pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications that can occur due to gestational diabetes.
Therefore, pregnant women are advised to meet their daily vitamin D needs by regularly sunbathing, eating foods rich in vitamin D, or taking vitamin D supplements according to doctor's recommendations.
3. Reduce the risk of preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a health problem in pregnant women characterized by high blood pressure, swelling in the body due to fluid buildup, and increased levels of protein in the urine.
Preeclampsia is quite common after the 20th week of pregnancy or around the second trimester, but it can also occur in the final trimester.
According to several studies, the condition of preeclampsia is more at risk for pregnant women who are deficient in vitamin D. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to meet the needs of vitamin D in order to avoid the risk of preeclampsia.
4. Prevent babies born with low weight
Adequate intake of vitamin D during pregnancy can also reduce the risk of babies born with low weight. Babies born with low weight are more susceptible to various health problems, such as hypothermia and respiratory problems.
Safe Dosage of Vitamin D Consumption for Pregnant Women
Based on the recommendation of the Nutrition Adequacy Rate (RDA) from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in 2019, the recommended amount of vitamin D intake for pregnant women is around 15 micrograms (mcg) or 600 IU per day.
Pregnant women can get this vitamin D intake by regularly basking in the morning sun and eating foods rich in vitamin D.
If the amount of vitamin D intake from these foods is still deemed insufficient, pregnant women can take vitamin D supplements. However, consult your obstetrician first about the recommended type and dosage of vitamin D supplements.