A woman’s pregnancy can be riddled with many different side effects
and complications, which can lead to serious
birth injuries if when left untreated. One of the most serious pregnancy-related complications
is preeclampsia, which is when a pregnant woman has a severe form of high
blood pressure.
Preeclampsia is a serious complication during pregnancy, and physicians
need to monitor women throughout their pregnancy to properly diagnose
and treat
preeclampsia to prevent any serious or fatal complications.
Many women are at risk for developing preeclampsia during their pregnancy.
However, a new study found that vitamin D deficiency during a woman’s
first 26 weeks of pregnancy could increase the risk of developing preeclampsia.
The study found that women who had sufficient levels of vitamin D reduced
the risk of developing severe preeclampsia by 40 percent.
Researchers said that more studies need to be completed to see if there
is a direct link between preeclampsia risk and vitamin D levels. They
also said that pregnant women should not start taking vitamin D supplements.
Instead, patients should follow-up with their doctor to make sure their
vitamin D levels are being checked and action is being taken to reduce
their risk during pregnancy.
Severe preeclampsia can be very risky for both pregnant women and their
babies. The finding that vitamin D levels may play a role in the risk
of developing severe preeclampsia shows just how important it is for doctors
to monitor pregnant patients’ vitamin D levels and to make sure they
are treating patients to reduce the risk of getting preeclampsia later
on during their pregnancy.
Pregnant women and those planning to get pregnant should be aware of their
vitamin D levels and talk to their doctor about what to do if their levels
are lower than normal. Doctors should also continue to monitor pregnant
patients throughout their pregnancy to make sure they are taking steps
to reduce risks for
complications during and after the pregnancy.
Source: HealthDay News, ” Low Vitamin D Could Up Risk for Birth Complication:
Study,” Feb. 4, 2014