Hi ladies,
Last week I had blood work done at the doctor and this morning he called with the results. He said everything looks fine except my almost non existent Vitamin D levels. I was busy at work and didn't get to ask all the questions I wanted to. The doc told me to take 1000 IU's each day along with my prenatal vitamin. I have called back and left a message to ask more questions, just waiting on the call now.
I shouldn't have googled this, but it seems that this can be very serious for the development of my baby. Vitamin D helps me absorb calcium and pass it onto the baby. So basically I am not getting enough calcium, which could mean the babies bones may not be as strong as they should be.
Has anyone else had low Vitamin D levels?
Re: Extremely low Vitamin D levels..
You can't change anything except going forward. If your levels were really really low, I would think your doctor would want you on more than a 1000 IU supplement. I've been taking a 1000IU supplement + 400 IU in my prenatal just because of where I live (sun season is waaaay over by now).
Chill out. Get some supplements.
Thanks everyone, I feel better now. The doctor just returned my call and said everything is fine and this will not affect the baby in any way. He did say that is because my calcium levels are good.
Many people who live in the northern latitudes have problems with low Vit. D- since we don't have enough sunlight exposure to absorb enough that way. My prenatal already has 1000 IU's vit. D, since I know I'll likely be low living in Seattle. And experts believe that Vit. D plays a much bigger role in our body functions besides calcium absorption and the RDA of 400IU is way too low for most people.
So definitely take your Vit. D supplement. If your levels are really, really low, your doc might recommend replacement therapy too. My pregnant coworker had to take 50,000 IU's monthly via a shot I think. My MW says that if I'm deficient at first lab work, she'll recommend 5,000IU's daily supplement.
I have been on 1 50,000iu/week for 2 months. The doctor basically told me that the bonuses outweigh the risks. After I get done with the mega doses, I'll get re-checked and possibly get moved down to a 1000iu/day dose if my levels are back up.