Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms, Week by Week Pregnancy Guide

According to a recent study, fewer pregnancy complications such as early labor, gestational diabetes, preterm birth and infection were seen among those women who took high doses of Vitamin D during pregnancy.

Researchers are now suggesting, based on these findings, that 4,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D every day, which is 10 times the amount recommended by various health groups currently, be taken by pregnant women.

The study noted that those women who took the recommended 4000 IU of Vitamin D during their second and third trimester suffered no adverse effects but experienced half the rate of pregnancy related complications.

These findings are being seen as controversial since it has been commonly believed that higher doses of Vitamin D can cause birth defects.

Neonatologist and study co-researcher Carol L. Wagner, MD, of the Medical University of South Carolina acknowledged the controversial nature of the findings, admitting that doctors may be wary of advising their patients this dosage of Vitamin D.

Wagner also said that it took a long time to get permission to carry out this study wherein high doses of Vitamin D were administered to pregnant women. She however averred that there is no evidence to suggest that Vitamin D is toxic; even at levels in excess of 10,000 IUs.