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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Vitamin D
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