Our study is the first to demonstrate that lower vitamin D levels are associated with higher intrapartum epidural consumption. This finding is consistent with emerging research associating hypovitaminosis D with pain. Vitamin D is thought to activate descending inhibitory and modulatory pain pathways.[6] However, one hypothesis proposes that once ascending pain pathways are activated, simple vitamin D repletion may not be enough to silence those pathways.[7] Thus the mechanisms underlying the association between hypovitaminosis D intrapartum and intrapartum pain as well as potentially postpartum pain warrant further investigation. Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in US parturients, effective prevention and treatment may have significant impact on decreasing labor pain in millions of women every year. Recommendations regarding vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may need to be revisited. We conclude that vitamin D deficiency is an important risk factor for increased intrapartum pain.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 19:05:01 +0000
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