An adequate supply of vitamin D could help to make birth less complicated and less painful. A scientific study from the USA showed that expectant mothers with low vitamin D levels needed more painkillers during childbirth. However, this increases the risks for both mother and child. Vitamin D could be an effective way to prevent labor pains naturally.
Fewer painkillers thanks to vitamin D
dr Steven Ropers and his colleagues at the US Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have found that adequate vitamin D intake reduces the risk of birth complications.
They conducted a study on 71 pregnant women. Before birth, the researchers measured the women’s vitamin D levels. They then divided them into two groups.
The women with a low vitamin D level had an average value of just under 26 ng/ml, so they suffered from a clear vitamin D deficiency. Women with high vitamin D levels averaged 43 ng/ml.
The desired standard values officially include values between 30 and 70 ng/ml vitamin D. To be on the safe side, however, values of around 50 ng/ml should be aimed for.
Vitamin D deficiency increases birth risks
The scientists found that women with vitamin D deficiency needed significantly more painkillers and anesthetics during childbirth.
For women with high vitamin D levels, the average was 12.4 milligrams per hour. A vitamin D deficiency increased the requirement by one and a half times to 18.25 milligrams per hour.
With epidural anesthesia, a local anesthetic during childbirth, the risks for the mother and child increase. For example, there is often a lack of oxygen in the child, which makes a cesarean section necessary.
Vitamin D makes childbirth less painful
It is not yet known exactly how vitamin D affects the body to reduce the pain of childbirth.
The researchers suspect that vitamin D influences the pain mechanisms and at the same time strengthens the muscles so that a less complicated and generally less painful birth is possible.
In our report Vitamin D Deficiency – The Symptoms you will find out why most people in Central Europe suffer from a vitamin D deficiency.
If you are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about possible dietary supplements containing vitamin D.