Vitamin D prevents preeclampsia

Hot Mama Alert! Are you getting enough vitamin D? The amount in your prenatal vitamins may not be enough to prevent preeclampsia.

Women with a Vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester have a five fold greater risk of preeclampsia according to a university study recorded in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Stats on Preeclampsia:

- Effects up to 7% of first pregnancies

- Often results in necessary pre-term delivery

- Leading cause of premature delivery and maternal and fetal death worldwide

- Occurs late in second trimester or in third trimester

- Symptoms include the following: high blood pressure, high levels of protein in urine, swollen hands and feet, and sudden weight gain.

Researchers stressed that even slightly low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may double the chance of having preeclampsia. Prenatal vitamins typically have 200-400I.U. of vitamin D. This amount may not be enough to protect a Hot Mama.

1000 I.U. of vitamin D may be a more protective dose, especially for pregnant women living in Northern climates where sun exposure is low and those with darker skin. For optimal absorption, take 500 I.U. twice a day.