During pregnancy, vitamin D plays an important role in strengthening the immune system, which increases protection against disease for both mother and baby. Now, a new discovery may encourage more moms-to-be to include the nutrient in their routine. Researchers at the University of Southampton have indicated that vitamin D supplementation increases the chances of a normal delivery.
The research brings important data, especially if we take into account that natural childbirth is the preference of almost 70% of Brazilian women, according to Fiocruz – Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. However, few mothers received support in choosing natural childbirth. Especially in special services, this value was only 15% for those who were in their first pregnancy.
Vitamin D supplements for normal Delivery
The study, published in the Journal of Public Health, included 965 pregnant women who were chosen to receive 1,000 doses of vitamin D supplements or an unspecified type of placebo. Therefore, the research was based on a multicenter methodology, that is, studies that occur simultaneously through the same protocol in several institutions.
The participants were monitored by the researchers until the time of delivery. Ultimately, the analysis found that 65.6% of the women who took the vitamin D supplement had a normal spontaneous delivery, which was a higher number than those who received a placebo, which totaled 57.9%.
In addition, the researchers also expressed data from women who required a cesarean section to give birth. Thus, the data from the two groups analyzed were similar, namely: Vitamin D: 21.3%; Placebo: 22.7%.
Finally, for Rebecca Moon, the researcher who led the investigation, the results point to good news. She says that most women want a normal delivery.
“Our work suggests that taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy may help them achieve this. Women who took vitamin D also experienced less postpartum blood loss. More evidence is now needed to inform women,” Moon said in a statement. . .
After all, what is the importance of supplementation in pregnancy?
According to the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Societies (FEBRASGO), pregnant women should adhere to vitaminD supplementation.
Additionally, a deficiency in the vitamin can cause a vitaminD deficiency. This condition can increase the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, bone deformities in babies, premature births, and even postpartum depression. Therefore, medical monitoring is essential during pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and the development of the baby, and to ensure a timely delivery when necessary.