Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is widely recognised as a major public health issue around the world; and is essential for optimal development and strengthening of the musculoskeletal system including the prevention of conditions such as osteoporosis, osteopenia and rickets. The association between vitamin D and childhood rickets has led to the fortification of food sources and consequently the eradication of the rickets disease. Vitamin D levels are of particular importance for pregnant women, especially for the development of the bone and muscle development of the fetus. In the last decade there has been a substantial increase in the incidence of vitamin D deficiency and the re-emergence of the childhood rickets disease. It is vital that vitamin D levels are at optimal levels during pregnancy as maternal calcium demands increase significantly to meet the demands of the developing fetus, especially in the third trimester.
RAS ID
31689
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2020
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery / Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Services Research
Publisher
MA Healthcare Ltd
Recommended Citation
Jarvis, G., & Geraghty, S. (2020). Importance of vitamin D in the antenatal period for maternal well-being. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2020.28.6.353
Comments
This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in the British Journal of Midwifery, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2020.28.6.353 .
Jarvis, G., & Geraghty, S. (2020). Importance of vitamin D during the antenatal period for maternal well-being. British Journal of Midwifery, 28(6), 353-358. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2020.28.6.353