Vitamin D Deficit in Pregnancy Tied to Cesarean Risk

Vitamin D plays a rather important role in the maintenance of a number of organ systems within the human body and also helps increase the flow of calcium into the bloodstream, by increasing the absorption of phosphorous and calcium from the food present in the intestines. It also plays a very significant role in bone growth and remodeling. A deficiency of vitamin D in the body will leave the individual with thin, brittle bones as well as impaired bone materialization. Being pregnant comes with a number of worries for an expecting mother that, even when faced with the most normal symptoms, may trigger a little panic with fears of the pregnancy going awry surfacing. Recent studies have shown that there appears to be a link between vitamin D deficiency and the increased risk or a cesarean operation, also known as a C-Section.

A C-Section is primarily a surgical procedure that requires a few incisions being made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus to deliver the babies. The decision to have a C – section carried out is taken when the medical staff are led to believe that the life of either the mother or baby, or both, are at risk if a normal or vaginal delivery was carried out. While the World Health Organization have declared that the number of C – Sections performed should not exceed 15% of all births in any country, recent studies show that most Asian countries have a standard of about 25% C – Sections. Moreover, the World Health Organization states that the decision to have a cesarean pregnancy carried out should only be taken when there is no medical alternative.

Coming back to the link between Vitamin D deficiencies and C – Sections, a recent study has shown that about 28 percent of the women that have a reading for serum hydroxyvitamin D less than 37.5 nmol / liter had to undergo a cesarean section as compared to the 14% of those women that had a reading greater than 37.5 nmol / liter. While there is no substantial evidence to prove the link exists as yet, most experts believe that the proximal muscle weakness and suboptimal muscle performance that is the result of Vitamin D deficiency is the root cause of the occurrence. At any rate, it is best to make sure that you get your share of vitamin D in order to avoid any possible complications. A healthier intake of fish, eggs as well as sufficient exposure of the skin to sunlight will help considerably.