Winter pregnancy increases risk of MS due to lack of vitamin D sunlight absorption.
Sunlight is important for our health. In these days when people are afraid of skin cancer and smother on sunscreen, Vitamin D absorption has been reduced. Vitamin D is also vital to infant development, and new research suggests that mothers who are pregnant during winter months have an increased risk of delivering babies with neurological issues. Of particular concern is the increase in babies with multiple sclerosis (MS) born in April.
According to research published in the European Journal of Neurology, lack of vitamin D in pregnancy “predisposes” individuals to MS. The Telegraph reports:
Vitamin D, which is largely gained through sunlight and food, is known to regulate a gene that can predispose individuals to MS. If the gene is passed on to the unborn child, without being regulated by a sufficient amount of vitamin D, it could “hard wire” them to develop the disease in later life…
Professor George Ebers, from Oxford University’s department of clinical neurology at the John Radcliffe Hospital, said: “The difference [in developing MS in Scotland] between being born in April versus November is an astounding 50per cent. This is real, there’s no doubt of a seasonal link. There are different theories, but I think the April excess of births could be linked to a sunlight deficiency.
Should parents living in climates that lack winter sun try to conceive at times to avoid winter pregnancies? Researchers believe this may be prudent if there is a family history of neurological disorders, such as MS, but most women can simply take a vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin D has also been shown to be important in preventing the flu.
I guess I was blessed to have been living in Texas when DS was conceived–but it was the end of February and he was born in November. (Not that I spent a lot of time outside in the 100 degree summer…)
That’s one compelling reason that women should be counseled to take cod liver oil both pre-conception and during a pregnancy.
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So THAT’S what’s wrong with all my kids! I was pregnant for all of them in winter. (just kidding. They’re all fine)
I also have Seasonal Affective Disorder so I’m probably more aware of the Vitamin D needs,though. Maybe that’s made a difference.
But wow…really interesting about the MS! My Grandfather had 3 siblings who developed MS . Very curious.
What a nice article for them to put out for us women who are seven months pregnant right now. Lovely.
Preggies should Drink Milk regulary to get Vit D
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Ok, were moving to Cancun to have our next baby.
Ok, were moving to Cancun to have our next baby.
Is it true?So lucky because my first child was born in summer