Skip to main content

Vitamin D Lowers Miscarriage Risk

Some time back, Smitha had related her harrowing experience of a missed abortion / miscarriage in the post "Are headaches in early pregnancy a sign of miscarriage?"  She also wondered what could possibly cause miscarriage - low progesterone, chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, environment in the uterus not favourable for foetal growth. or something else.

Smitha had conceived through assisted reproductive method, IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination) and was eagerly waiting to hold her baby in her arms after the completion of nine months!

Alas, but destiny had other plans for her and she lost her baby in her 17th week or pregnancy and she had to go through severe depression for several months. Do read Top home-remedies after miscarriage.




Pre-conception Vitamin D Levels Matter

Now what reminded me of the devastating miscarriage of Smitha?  I was perusing through some health news sites when I came across this news headline which read "Vitamin D May Lower Miscarriage Risk.".

Excerpts:
Among women planning to conceive after a pregnancy loss, those who had sufficient levels of vitamin D were more likely to become pregnant and have a live birth, compared to women with insufficient levels of the vitamin, according to an analysis by researchers at the National Institutes of Health.

"Our findings suggest that vitamin D may play a protective role in pregnancy," said the study's principal investigator Sunni L. Mumford.

The authors note that a few studies have shown that women who have higher levels of vitamin D before undergoing in vitro fertilization have higher pregnancy rates than those with lower levels.

However, little research has been done on pregnancy rates and pregnancy loss in women attempting to conceive without assisted reproductive technologies.

Women who had sufficient preconception vitamin D concentrations were 10 percent more likely to become pregnant and 15 percent more likely to have a live birth, compared to those with insufficient concentrations of the vitamin. Among women who became pregnant, each 10 nanogram per milliliter increase in preconception vitamin D was associated with a 12-percent lower risk of pregnancy loss.

The authors note that the study does not prove cause and effect. Additional studies are needed to determine whether providing vitamin D to women at risk for pregnancy loss could increase their chances for pregnancy and live birth.

Vitamin D - hope for infertile women

Only those who have suffered a miscarriage,  irrespective of how early they were in their pregnancy--  know how devastating it is to lose one's baby! Fear and anxiety of losing subsequent pregnancies looms large and more so for those women who are struggling to get pregnant through IUI or IVF procedures.

The above mentioned study isn't very conclusive and it certainly doesn't say that low levels of vitamin D is the sole cause of a missed abortion. However it definitely provides a ray of hope for infertile women who are trying to conceive after repeated losses.

If taking something as innocuous as an additional  vitamin D pill few months prior to conception can possibly decrease a woman's risk of miscarriage and help her carry a full term pregnancy, then why shouldn't women give it a try?

Sunlight boosts women's fertility

Earlier studies have also shown that exposure to sunlight boosts the fertility of women and improves IVF live birth rates; but it is the weather a month before conception that is key, not the weather at the time. Although this particular study was completed with IVF patients, Dr Vandekerckhove, the lead author mentioned that this could easily be applied to women who want to get pregnant naturally.

Another recent study has found that women who took high doses of vitamin D during pregnancy had children with stronger bones.

Most experts recommend that pregnant women take a daily supplement of 400 units of vitamin D.

About 7 percent of children whose mothers took the high dose suffered bone fractures through age 6, compared with 11 percent in the placebo group.

High doses had no effect on birth weight, or on the height or weight of the 6-year-old children.


Final Thoughts

I don't know if Smitha's pre-conception vitamin D levels were less ; most probably her gynaecologist hadn't checked it. I also don't know if she has conceived again and given birth as she hasn't contacted me again. However I wish the best for her.

And for all those women who are trying to conceive through IVF, do talk to your doctor / IVF specialist about checking your vitamin D levels and prescribing vitamin pills months before conceiving.

Comments

  1. Dr Roopali2:34 PM

    Vitamin D is necessary for the synthesis and metabolism of the reproductive hormones estrogen and testosterone. higher blood levels of vitamin D can improve glycemic control and insulin resistance in women with PCOS, decrease inflammation in women with endometriosis and is associated with better IVF outcomes

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Comments posted on this blog are moderated and approved only if they are relevant, on-topic and not abusive. Avoid using links to your site/blog in the body of your comment unless it is highly relevant to the post.

Popular posts from this blog

5 Emotional Sad Short Stories To Make You Cry Immediately

Today I’m going to relate a few emotional, sad short stories that will make you cry immediately. Crying – is that even good for you? Isn’t crying associated with weakness? Well…

21 Bindi Quotes That Illuminate Tradition, Spirituality, and Modern Identity

The bindi , a small yet striking dot adorning the forehead , has long been a symbol of cultural pride, spiritual devotion, and aesthetic beauty in South Asian traditions. While its visual appeal is undeniable, the bindi carries profound meanings that transcend its physical form. In this piece, we delve into the world of bindi quotes —words that capture the essence of this timeless adornment. From ancient proverbs to contemporary reflections, these quotes celebrate the bindi’s role as a bridge between tradition and modernity. (Curious about the history and styles of the bindi? Explore my previous article: The Bindi Forehead Dot: A Small Dot with Big Significance .) The Bindi as a Symbol of Feminine Power The bindi’s legacy extends beyond tradition —it is a bold declaration of feminine energy and resilience. Rooted in the concept of Shakti (divine feminine power), it symbolizes creativity, strength, and the unyielding spirit of women. Historically, the red bindi marked marital status,...

Pore shrinking mask recipes from home

A face with large open pores when seen from close quarters doesn’t look so good. While it’s quite common for oily skins to have a tendency towards open pores, an attack of pimples also leaves ugly scars and open pores behind.  Even though the scars may fade away after some time, open pores appear to be more obstinate and hardly show any signs of shrinking.  Age also takes its toll by giving an uneven/pigmented tone to the skin and making the open pores more prominent. Heredity could also be a contributing factor in determining your pore size. It’s not easy to get rid of these pores or shrink them completely or permanently using serums, lotions or face packs. Even resorting to drastic chemical/surgical procedures at the dermatologist’s isn’t quite capable of giving satisfactory results.  Nevertheless, you can try and minimize their appearance at least temporarily with clever makeup and a few natural skin care masks such as these: * Cleanse your face with a mild ...

Holi Diet and Hydration: Staying Healthy During the Festivities

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. It marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and a time for communities to come together in a riot of colors, music, and dance. However, amidst the fun and frolic, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated. With rich foods, sugary treats, and long hours of outdoor activities, it’s crucial to strike a balance between indulgence and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore how you can enjoy Holi to the fullest while keeping your health in check through mindful eating, proper hydration, and safe practices. Why Diet and Hydration Matter During Holi Holi is synonymous with indulgence. From gujiyas and thandai to fried snacks and sweets, the festival is a culinary delight. However, overindulging in these treats can lead to digestive issues, energy crashes, and dehydration, especially when combined with hours of playing outdoors under the ...

Water – some health benefits of drinking it

Staying properly hydrated is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay in good health. DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION For normal metabolism, a human body releases 500ml of water in the form of urine every day. Through breathing and sweating, the body releases another 500ml-800ml of water. Therefore maintaining a content of 1000ml of water in one’s body is of utmost importance at all times. IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION Water helps the blood in transporting nutrients, antibodies and blood cells to infected areas when sick and it removes toxin and waste from the body. With this, it smoothens metabolism and at the same time increases the immunity of the body.