Calcium During Pregnancy – Its Role and Why it is Essential?

Calcium during pregnancy is a key mineral needed for baby’s bone development, mother’s bone strength, muscle function, and reducing pregnancy complications like preeclampsia.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body becomes the foundation of a new life. Calcium during pregnancy is one of the most important nutrients that plays an incredible role in maintaining this healthy pregnancy outcomes. It is essential for healthy bones and teeth, but it also plays a key role in foetal development and maternal health.

Calcium promotes vital processes such as muscle contraction, heartbeat regulation, and nerve signalling, while the baby grows inside the womb. It also strengthens the mother’s bones and ensures proper growth of the skeleton.

For adult women, the calcium requirement during pregnancy is around 1,000 mg, and for adolescent mothers, it is slightly higher.

It’s truly said – “When a woman nourishes herself, she nourishes two souls at once.”

Making sure the mother gets enough calcium is an investment in her health and the baby’s healthy start.

Why is calcium important during pregnancy?

A woman’s body undergoes numerous transformations during pregnancy to support the baby’s growth and development.
One such demand is an increased need for calcium. The body will take calcium from the mother’s bones to satisfy the baby’s needs if she isn’t getting enough of it. This can lead to long-term issues including low bone density and the potential risk of developing osteoporosis.

Let’s understand the importance of calcium in pregnancy–

• Calcium for baby’s bone development- Calcium helps in the formation of teeth and bones of the baby. By the third trimester, the baby’s skeleton absorbs the most calcium, making maternal calcium intake crucial.
• Support the mother’s heart, nerves and muscles- Calcium helps regulate heart rhythm, nerve connection, and muscle action, ensuring the mother and the baby function properly.
• Prevents pregnancy complications- According to studies, getting enough calcium can help reduce the high of prenatal hypertension and preeclampsia, two serious conditions marked by increased blood pressure.

Therefore, calcium is a silent protector of structural health throughout pregnancy.

How much calcium does a pregnant woman need?

Women aged between 19 to 50 years are recommended to take 1000 mg of calcium daily.

Teenage mothers (below 19 years) are recommended to take 1300mg of calcium daily due to their developing bodies.

If the dietary intake of calcium is not enough, pregnant women may take calcium supplements during pregnancy as recommended by the doctor.

If the diet is insufficient, doctors may prescribe calcium supplements during pregnancy. Women who follow limited diets or abstain from dairy are especially vulnerable to deficiencies.

Calcium-rich foods for pregnant women

The easiest way to meet the calcium requirement during pregnancy is to eat a healthy diet. The calcium-rich foods for pregnant women include:

• Dairy products: Rich and easily absorbed calcium sources include cheese, milk and yoghurt.
• Plant-based options include leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, tofu, almond, sesame seeds and chia seeds.
• Calcium fortified food include plant-based beverages, morning cereals, soy milk, and orange juice.

Smartly incorporating these food items in your daily diet ensures that you reach your daily intake without depending on supplements.

Calcium absorption and other nutrients

Simply consuming calcium is not enough; your body must absorb it efficiently. That’s where supporting nutrients are necessary:

• Vitamin D and Calcium in Pregnancy – Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Even a high intake will be ineffective if vitamin D levels are low. Sunshine, eggs, supplements and fortified milk are excellent sources of calcium. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium together strengthen bones and muscles.
• Phosphorus and magnesium- Together with calcium, nutrients such as magnesium and phosphorus strengthen bones and muscles.
• Factors reducing absorption- Excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol, and a high-salt diet may hinder the absorption of calcium. The key is moderation-

Calcium deficiency in pregnancy: risks and symptoms

The body uses calcium from the mother’s bones to support the infant when intake is inadequate. This eventually results in calcium deficiency in pregnancy, which can have serious repercussions:

Risk for the mother

• Weak bones or an increased risk of developing osteoporosis in later life.
• tiredness, tingling, or cramping in the muscles.
• Increased vulnerability to preeclampsia and hypertension.

Risk for the child

• Inadequate development of bones and teeth
• Low birth weight
• High chances of rickets in early life.

Should you take calcium supplements during pregnancy

Food should always be the first choice, but calcium supplements may be important during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman follows a vegan or lactose-intolerant diet which is inadequate, doctors might recommend calcium supplements.

Type of supplements

• Calcium carbonate – These supplements are usually prescribed by doctors and are best absorbed when taken along with meals.
• Calcium citrate- It is well-absorbed even on an empty stomach, making it ideal for women who have low stomach acid.

• Dosage- Dosage is often limited to 500mg each since our body cannot produce more at once. Dosage between 1000 – 1500 mg daily is considered safe unless prescribed.

Too much intake of calcium might create kidney stones or hinder iron absorption, so always consult a doctor before consuming any supplement.

Calcium and pregnancy complications

Adequate calcium intake is associated with optimal outcomes:

• Preeclampsia prevention- Studies indicate that intake of calcium supplements can significantly reduce the risk of preeclampsia, particularly in women with low dietary intake.
• Reduced risk of preterm birth- Adequate calcium levels help regulate uterine contractions, which reduces the chances of early labour.
• Promote maternal health- This supports maternal health by lowering and the risk of bone weakening, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and encouraging general wellbeing.

Trimacare: Best calcium supplements during pregnancy

Trimacare prenatal multivitamins are developed by experts under the guidelines of WHO and ICMR and recommended by top gynaecologists in the country. Trimacare pregnancy multivitamins come in three packs for each trimester, providing all the nutrients required during pregnancy.

Trimacare 2 and 3 prenatal vitamins include 500 mg of calcium as advised by ICMR.

Trimacare prenatal vitamins contain calcium, which helps in the formation of the baby’s bones and teeth. It also helps with muscle contraction, hormone regulation, and nerve cell functioning.

Conclusion-

The importance of calcium in pregnancy cannot be ignored. This nutrient is essential throughout pregnancy, from providing calcium to the baby’s bones to safeguarding the mother’s long-term health.

Adequate consumption of calcium prevents complications, fosters development and lays foundation for healthier future.

While diet should be the primary source of calcium, calcium during pregnancy may be prescribed under doctor’s supervision.

FAQs

Q1. Why is calcium essential in pregnancy?

Calcium is very important in maintaining the mother’s and baby’s health. Calcium is essential for baby’s bone development, teeth, and to the proper functioning of the mother’s heart, muscles, and nerves. Sufficient intake of calcium also reduces the risk of such complications as hypertension and preeclampsia.

Q2. How much calcium can a pregnant woman consume daily?

Most adult women need approximately 1,000 mg of calcium during pregnancy, whereas adolescent mothers need approximately 1,300 mg. The precise calcium need during pregnancy changes according to age, diet, and health status. Always consult a doctor for personalised advise.

Q3. What are the richest calcium foods for pregnancy?

Some of the best calcium rich foods for pregnant women are:

• Dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Plant foods like tofu, almonds, sesame seeds, and greens.
• Fortified foods like soy milk, breakfast cereals, and orange juice.

Q4. Can pregnancy be affected by a calcium deficiency?

Yes, pregnant women who are calcium deficient may experience pain in muscles, weak bones, and an increased risk of osteoporosis. It may lead to low birth weight, poor bone and tooth growth, and a higher chance of developing rickets in later life.

Q5. Are all pregnant women prescribed calcium supplements?

Not necessarily. If your diet is rich enough in calcium, supplements won’t be needed. Calcium supplements during pregnancy are usually advised for women with lactose intolerance, vegans, or those who cannot take enough daily through foods. Always consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Q6. Does calcium prevent preeclampsia?

Yes, preeclampsia can be reduced by adequate intake of calcium, particularly among women with low dietary calcium intake. It also maintains healthy blood pressure levels and possibly lowers the risk of preterm birth.

Q7. Is excessive calcium intake harmful for pregnant women?

Yes, too much calcium will lead to kidney stones, constipation, or interfere with zinc and iron absorption. The safe daily upper limit for most pregnant women is 2,500 mg. Always adhere to your doctor’s recommendation before starting any calcium supplement