Vitamin D

[Lisa]

Okay so I wasn't real sure where to put this but figured here was probably best. My apologies to the Mods if its in the wrong place.

I'm not pregnant but I was wondering if Vitamin D levels are something that is checked during pregnancy?

I had some bloods done and it has come back that I am severely deficient in Vit D. I have a prescription that covers me for 6 months that I have to get made up tomorrow. I didn't get a chance to ask any questions but I'm concerned about how long I may have been deficient for. If it is tested in pregnancy then I know it would be around 2 years max.
I'm stressing out a bit and Dr Google isn't helping!

[Khaleesi]

It is tested, i was very low in Vit D during pregnancy & DD3 need a Vit D booster at discharge

[2CheekyMonkeys]

Not sure if they test for it during pregnancy. I recently had a general blood test done and it said that I was low in vit d. Don't know how as I'm in qld and in the sun all the time. The dr just said to take liquid vit d for a while which was just on the shelf. She said to stop taking it when TTC though cause the pregnancy vitamins usually contain vit d. I took the liquid stuff but not as long as she said to. Haven't been back for retest though. I'm jot sure what effects low git d have on your health either.

[OceanPrincess]

I believe they now routinely check Vit D levels as we seem to be experiencing a bit of a Vit D deficiency epidemic - something to do with Aussie women taking the sun smart message too far and not getting enough natural vitamin D.

I was found to be low in my second pregnancy and have basically taken a supplement since then. But it wasn't anything that required a presecription, sounds like yours must be a bit more hardcore than the standard supplements.

I was also told that DS1 would most likely have low levels too and would have to give him an oral Vit D supplement (Pentavite) for the first 12 months of his life. I declined to do this, given he would be getting extra Vit D from my breastmilk and I would get him into the sun as much as I could, while being sun smart. He's fine today.

My levels have stabalised since then and were fine for my subsequent pregnancies.

[Lisa]

Thanks for your help everyone.
I am one who smears myself in sunscreen. I absolutely hate sunburn. I'm also overweight and apparently that makes me more susceptible to bring vit d deficient.
I was told that it can lead osteoporosis, heart problems and other health issues. My Nanna had osteoporosis so it is a major concern for me. Hopefully everything will be back on track after taking the supplements for 6 months.

[Mother Goose]

As the others said, it is routinely tested during PG now. I always giggle because my Ob worries about my "low levels" which are actually higher than they ever have been before!

A Vit D deficiency is very common - especially in women. It is believed that shift work is a significant contributor to the issue.

I've been advised by my Ob that it is recommended that all breastfeeding mothers take a Vit D supplement - I use Ostelin D which is an over the counter capsule. It can be purchased in many supermarkets as well.

[Catastrophic]

I am constantly low in Vit D, and I'm not one that smears herself in sunscreen a lot, my body just doesn't absorb it as good as it should!

[Saffy]

I requested testing in my pregnancy and was low. Even with supplementation my level went up but still not to normal level!
I know many, many people who are low, its very common.
the amount of time you need out in the sun each day is much longer than you would think ( esp in Victoria in winter) so there is no way i would be able to just do it with sun alone.
Don't stress too much, I#m pretty sure most people would be low, just aren't tested.At least you know now and can improve it!

[Joski]

I was diagnosed with a severe deficiency in Vit D and B12. Had to take supplements for both, up to quadruple the recommended intake for 6 weeks.

Had a blood test and now back to normal levels, being maintained with Pregnancy Care supplements from the naturopath.

[Lisa]

I'm happy that it is tested in pregnancy as would only be 2ish years max that I've had it for, otherwise I'd have no idea as I have not needed blood tests for anything un-pregnancy related for a very long time.

I'm about to go get my script made up. I'm not looking forward to taking something everyday for 6 months but if I need to, I'll have to do it.

Thanks again to everyone for your help and for sharing your experiences