At my last appointment, my MW gave me a prescription for a massive dose of vitamin D. It's supposed to protect me and baby for 6 months from rickets.
The thing is, you get vit D from sunlight / light, and also here in milk that's been fortified with vit D. (I drink vit D fortified milk, btw.)
So I'm uncomfortable taking this huge dose (100 000 UI!), since if you "overdose" on vit D, there are lots of nasty side effects, like vomiting, intense thirst, it can make kidney stones worse, etc.
Anyone know anything about taking such a huge dose? WWYD? I've filled the prescription, but I haven't taken it yet.
Keep in mind, I live in a place where it is gray gray gray most of the time, and in the winter I am not outside much, so I'm not getting a ton of vit d from light.
Hmmmm...never heard or read about that anywhere. Maybe it is because of where you live (I'm in So California so we get plenty of sun) What about talking with her about splitting the dosage over the next few weeks? I hope someone has answers for you!
I don't know where you live or what your ethnic background is, but.... Vitamin D is not as readily absorbed in individuals with darker skin. Since Vit. D is a fat soluble vitamin, I too would be concerned about taking such a large dose. What would your pediatrician think about giving baby Vit D once he/she arrives if you're worried about it? If you get regular sunlight and eat Vit D enriched milk, I wouldn't worry about your intake.
Thanks for the replies. I'm really, really pale. Like I disappear when I stand against white walls. So I don't think absorption will be a problem!
On a French board, two other women were given this prescription, apparently they do give it to women pregnant during the winter. Still not comfortable with the dosage. I'll talk to the MW on Friday and see what she says.
If you drink fortified milk, I really don't think you should have a problem. Also, if you get a little sun during the warm months (and, as you say, being pale--I am very fair as well--means that you process it much faster), your body should produce enough vit D for the whole year. When baby arrives, I'm just going to make sure that both she and I get a little sun every day (not too difficult with a May babe).
You are drinking Vit D milk. But keep in mind how often babies are sensitive to cow's milk proteins in the mother's diet.
BTW, Vit D is not a vitamin. It is a steroid. Taking steriods makes me nervous.
Yes, you do store "vit" D over the winter from being outdoors in the warmer months.
The only cases of rickets seem to occur far north, not just where it is overcast (like if you are in the PACNW and it's rainy) but where daylight hours are very short (like parts of Canada or northern Europe). And then it (rarely) happens to darker skinned women and children who cover (head covering and long sleeves) all the time, and go outdoors seldom (like Muslimas who need a male escort).
Yeah, I'm thinking I'll skip the massive dose of vitamin D. I get outside every day, even if only for 30 minutes, even with only my head exposed to light (it's been a cooold winter), and I drink the milk, and when it's nice out I'm out a lot, so I think baby will be fine.
DH is much darker-skinned than I am, maybe that's why the MW wanted me to supplement? But as you point out, NYCVeg, it should be pretty easy to get sunshine on a May baby... even in rainy Paris.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Mothering Forum
16.5M posts
285.1K members
Since 1996
A forum community dedicated to all mothers and inclusive family living enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about nurturing, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!