Labor Pain Intensity Depends on Vitamin D Level

High levels of vitamin D in the body can make labor less painful for women. This is the conclusion reached by scientists from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Vitamin D deficiency is a very common phenomenon among pregnant women, especially in vegetarians, as well as those who spend too little time in the sun. American scientists monitored 93 pregnant women, observing the level of vitamin D in their bodies. Many of them received epidural during labor to relieve pain.

Researchers recorded a number of painkillers every woman received during and before labor. It was found that women with vitamin D deficiency required significantly more painkillers than those who had high levels of the vitamin. As the authors of the study claim, prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women can have a significant impact on reducing labor pain.

This is important for many millions of women who will soon become mothers. However, given the small scope of the study, its findings are to be checked on a larger number of women to determine what level of vitamin D is optimal for a woman in labor. Note that much of this vitamin is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight, and about 15% of the required amount comes from food. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with certain diseases, as well as increased bone fragility.