DS Pregnancy Vit A Issue

I am also posting this in the pregnancy forum.

I am 20 months post op and had a early miscarriage in Dec and getting ready to try again soon. I am working with a RE and just started with a new high risk OB last month. My OB is concerned because I am taking such a high dose of Vit A. I take 100,000 units a day and this keeps my levels in the low normal range. When I was taking 75,000 units a day my bariatric surgeon increased the dosage because I wasn't in range and it has helped tremendously. I have worked so diligently to get my levels in range for a healthy pregnancy, and now I am worried that they are going to advise I don't get pregnant because of the possibility of birth defects or decrease my Vit A which could end up hurting me and the baby so there seems to be no good answers.

I am scheduled to see a maternal fetal specialist next week at the request of my OB so I am hoping that goes well and I am also getting my blood drawn for my most recent levels on 2/23/12.

I am wondering if there are DSer's that have experienced this Vit A issue during pregnancy and how it was handled by your physician(s). I would love to hear if anyone supplemented with high doses of Vit A and how the pregnancy and fetus were affected.

Thanks so much and hoping some of you have good things to share.

What was their response to the info you posted here? You are taking the dose at the request of your surgeon, in response to low lab values. If the dose was excessive, it would show on your labs. I would refuse to reduce it.

Most people have been told that the fetus only absorbs what you absorb through your bloodstream so as long as my Vit A level is within range, I technically should be alright.  I guess there isn't a lot of literature to say whether this is really accurate for those of us who are on large doses of Vit A.  My OB initally said it should be alright then he called me back 3 weeks later and said he had done additional research and was concerned because the Vit A can stay stored in my fat cells and I am guessing this could potentially be toxic to a fetus?  I hope the maternal fetal specialist will be able to tell me more. 

 She would malabsorb the vit A but the baby would not, I imagine.  I have read about the concern with high levels of Vit A, as well, as my husband and I will try to get pregnant this summer.  I know different doctors have varying opinions re: this.  Good luck conceiving again and in your journey! 

 This would be a great question for the pregnancy board and those who have been there done that, so to speak

My DS friend took 200,000 of vitamin A a day throughout her pregnancy and after her pregnancy.  Her A was low.  She had iron infusions during her pregnancy as well.  After her healthy DS baby was born, the baby wasn't gaining weight fast enough even though she was breastfeeding ALL THE TIME.... she eventually had to supplement her breast milk with donor milk.  Be very careful after your pregnancy as well.  She had 4 babies prior without a DS and never had issues with her babies and her breast milk.  The DS DOES affect breast milk.  Less fat in it for the baby.  She wished she had known this sooner rather than later. 

Thank you so much for your response.  It is so comforting to know that there are people who are high Vit A supplementers that have had a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby!  I appreciate the comments about breast milk also.  I had heard that our surgery affects the amount of fat in breast milk but have never confirmed this with a physician.  If I am lucky enough to get pregnant, I intend to breast feed and supplement with formula.  Thanks again!