Could a lack of D cause a C? The results of a recent study on the link between Vitamin D deficiency and C-sections seem to point in that direction. Most women, I'd wager, would rather not have a Caesarean section, also known as a C-section, to bring their babies into the world--C's are, after all, considered major surgery, and can lead to a number of complications including infection, the inability to breastfeed (not sure why this is though), longer recovery time, and, you know, being in PAIN, which is something no one needs after having a baby. Is there a way to avoid getting a C-section, though? Most doctors would say they only perform them when they're medically necessary to preserve the life of the mother or the infant. But, what if there were a way to avoid getting into that situation all together? Well, there may be a way after all. Researchers have concluded that a lack of Vitamin D in a pregnant woman can increase her chances of getting a C-section.

Researchers noted that a deformed pelvis often lead to C-sections in the late nineteen hundreds, but a decrease in the surgery with the advent of Vitamin D fortification in milk and other foods, which occurred around the same time. The researchers also did a study of over 250 births in Boston between 2005 and 2007, and noted that pregnant women with low levels of Vitamin D in their blood were four times more likely to have a C-section. A lack of the proper amount of Vitamin D has been linked to muscle weakness and high blood pressure--both things we'd like to avoid in general and especially when we're pregnant--and both which might explain the resulting increase in C-sections.

The senior author of the study suggested pregnant women take a Vitamin D supplement of 1,400 milligrams on top of their prenatal vitamins, stating there is no downside in doing so. I'm not so sure about that, and would recommend talking frankly with your own doctor about any vitamin or supplement you plan to take while pregnant. That said, Vitamin D is found in large supply in milk, and milk is the main ingredient in iced chais (my favorite beverage in the whole world!) so, uh, now I suppose I can point to this study any time I want to have one. Gotta protect those bones, you know!