Did you know that Vitamin D is extremely important for the development of your unborn baby? Your body needs vitamin D to maintain proper levels of calcium and phosphorus, which help build your baby’s bones and teeth.
Vitamin D deficiency is common during pregnancy, so how much vitamin D do you need?
Vitamin D dosage is a topic of debate. It is currently recommended that all women – whether or not they’re pregnant or breastfeeding – get 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D or 15 micrograms (mcg) each day. However, chat with your POGS doctor about how much vitamin D you need during pregnancy.
The best way to get Vitamin D is sunlight! During summer, this is much easier as you can go for a short walk during the early morning and that will ensure you get your Vitamin D. Aim for 20-30 minutes of sunshine per day. Winter is much harder, so the next best option is to find food sources.
Food sources of vitamin D
Fish liver oil, fatty fish, and eggs all contain vitamin D. But not many other foods contain vitamin D naturally, so a lot are fortified with this important vitamin. Be sure to check labels!
Should you take a vitamin D supplement?
Maybe, but your POGS doctors will make that decision. Since the skin uses the sun’s rays to produce vitamin D, we recommend some sun exposure but remember that during the peak times of 10am to 3pm its best to protect yourself with clothing and sunscreen!
If you have any queries about your Vitamin D levels, chat with the team and they will help relieve any concerns you might have.
Need more advice or information? Call POGS on (08) 6270 0123 or email: reception@pogs.com.au if you need to make an appointment.

