Can you take vitamin D while pregnant?

Can you take vitamin D while pregnant?

Yes, and you probably should. Vitamin D plays an important role in pregnancy, supporting calcium absorption, immune function, and fetal bone development. Many pregnant people are deficient, particularly those who live in northern latitudes, have darker skin, or spend limited time outdoors.

RELATED: How to choose a prenatal vitamin 

What the research shows

A 2024 Cochrane systematic review found that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth, though the evidence base includes significant heterogeneity between studies. 

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 RCTs (10,613 participants) confirmed that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces the risk of preeclampsia and preterm labor.

An earlier systematic review found strong evidence that vitamin D supplementation increases both maternal and infant 25(OH)D levels and fair evidence that it may reduce maternal insulin resistance.

How much vitamin D do you need?

The official RDA during pregnancy is 600 IU per day, but many experts and recent studies suggest this is too conservative. ACOG and the Endocrine Society have both supported higher intakes, and doses of 1000-4000 IU per day are commonly recommended in clinical practice, particularly for people who are deficient. If you're unsure where you stand, ask your provider to check your 25(OH)D level through a simple blood test.

Vitamin D3 vs. D2

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the preferred form for supplementation because it's more effective at raising and maintaining blood levels than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Most quality prenatal vitamins use D3.

RELATED: What’s for dinner? A WeNatal approach to fertility-focused evening meals 

WeNatal For Her contains Vitamin D (as Cholecalciferol) – 100 mcg (4,000 IU)

A note from WeNatal on Can you take vitamin D while pregnant

WeNatal for Her includes 4,000 IUs of vitamin D3 designed to meaningfully support your levels during pregnancy. Many prenatals contain only 400-600 IU, which may fall short if you're starting from a deficit. If you're concerned about your vitamin D status, talk to your provider about testing, and know that a comprehensive prenatal like WeNatal for Her gives you a strong foundation.

RELATED: What's for breakfast? A complete week of healthy, easy breakfast recipes 

References

Gallo S, et al. (2020). Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120(5):898-924. DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2019.07.002

Moghib K, et al. (2024). Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of preeclampsia. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24:852. DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-07081-y

Palacios C, et al. (2024). Vitamin D supplementation for women during pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008873.pub5