Vitamin D

Vitamin D

-          helps to maintain muscle and bone strength

-          helps your body absorb calcium from food

-          may also give you protection against developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.

In pregnancy, vitamin D helps the development of a baby’s bones. If you have a vitamin D deficiency (low levels of vitamin D) it can affect the amount of calcium your baby has in his or her bones. In severe deficiency this can cause a bone deformity called rickets.

Some women are at high risk of having low vitamin D levels, including:

-          recent refugees

-          dark skinned women

-          women who cover all of their skin for religious or cultural reasons

-          women who always stay indoors.

There is more about vitamin D in the topic 'Vitamin D and pregnancy'.

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see your doctor or midwife.