A recent study is showing that as much as 7 out of 10 pregnant women in the US are low on levels of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is important to bone health and development in both mother and fetus. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a weakening of bones, and early in life has been linked to increased risk of respiratory infections and childhood wheezing. Lower levels in adults have been linked to cardiovascular disease and specific types of cancer.
Natural Vitamin D development comes most easily from the sun, though it is also added to several foods and in vitamin supplements.
The easiest way to increase your Vitamin D intake is to spend more time in the sun, exposing some skin to the sun’s rays. Depending on climate and skin color, we only need to be in the sun about 30 minutes, twice a week. In the United States, with our indoors culture, this little amount is not being met by most pregnant women. It is controversial how much sunscreen blocks Vitamin D production.
And while you are in the sun, it is a great opportunity to be active – perhaps go for a walk or bike ride on one of our many city paths or a hike up Badger Mountain, or even try a little prenatal outdoor yoga.
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