Calcium during pregnancy is one of the most essential nutrients. It fights on the frontlines to develop healthy bones, teeth, heart, muscle, and nervous system of your baby. An adequate dose of calcium tablets during pregnancy is essential for both the mother and the baby. However, low calcium during pregnancy leads to calcium deficiency signs that no one should ever ignore.

In this blog, we will dive deep into the calcium deficiency signs, the importance of calcium, the best calcium supplement for pregnancy, and when to start calcium in pregnancy. Let’s start.

Signs of Calcium Deficiency During Pregnancy

Muscle Cramps & Spasm:

Expectant mothers with low calcium levels experience frequent muscle cramps, especially in the legs.

Brittle Nails & Hair:

It is a worldwide known fact that calcium plays a significant role in the health of hair and nails. Lack of calcium in pregnancy symptoms include brittle and thin hair, and weak, splitting nails.

Dental Issues:

Everybody knows that calcium helps maintain strong teeth. A calcium deficiency during pregnancy can result in tooth decay, gum diseases, or increased sensitivity in the tooth.

Joint & Bone Ache:

As the mother’s body calcium is drained to support the health of the baby, expectant mothers may experience pain in their joints and bones and have a higher risk of fractures.

Fatigue:

Calcium deficiency during pregnancy leads to constant fatigue, lethargy, and weakness.

Abnormal Heart Rhythm:

Calcium helps maintain the proper functioning of the heart. Calcium deficiency causes palpitations, which require immediate medical attention.

Numbness & Tingling:

Numbness and tingling sensations are caused by the lack of calcium in pregnancy symptoms.

Importance of Calcium During Pregnancy

Calcium During Pregnancy 2nd Trimester

During the 2nd trimester, the baby’s skeleton starts to develop rapidly. Thus, calcium is essential during this duration to support the healthy formation of bones and teeth. If the baby does not receive adequate calcium, it starts taking it from the mother’s bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Calcium During Pregnancy 3rd Trimester

The calcium requirements of the baby peak during the 3rd trimester of the pregnancy. 80% of the calcium required for the baby’s development is absorbed during the last trimester of pregnancy.

When Should a Pregnant Woman Start Taking Calcium?

Most healthcare providers recommend starting calcium supplements for pregnancy from the first trimester. However, the need for calcium increases significantly during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. To understand the correct time and dosage, you should consult your healthcare provider, and they will suggest the best calcium for pregnancy to you.

Recommend Dosage of Calcium During Pregnancy

Calcium intake for women between 19 and 30 years old requires 1000 mg of calcium daily, while women between 31 and 50 require 1200 mg of calcium daily.

Calcium-Rich Foods

  • Milk & Milk Products: Milk, yoghurt, cheese, and buttermilk
  • Leafy Green Vegetables: Broccoli, collards (cabbage family), bok choy, Chinese cabbage, spinach
  • Soy and Tofu: Tofu, tempeh, calcium-fortified soy drinks
  • Fish: Sardines and canned salmon
  • Nuts and Seeds: Brazil nuts, almonds, sesame seed paste
  • Calcium-fortified Foods: Breakfast cereals, fruit juices, bread, plant-based milk

How To Manage Calcium Deficiency During Pregnancy?

  • Balanced Diet: Focus on taking a calcium-rich diet since the beginning of pregnancy.
  • Vitamin D Exposure: Ensure that you are getting adequate Vitamin D exposure because it helps in calcium absorption.
  • Regular Medical Checkups: You need to regularly monitor your calcium levels through routine blood checkups during your prenatal visits.

Why Trimacre™ is the Best Calcium Supplement for Pregnancy?

Trimacare™ is the best calcium tablet for pregnancy and is recommended by the top healthcare providers in India, it is a clinically formed calcium supplement that contains 20+ essential nutrients, including folate, vitamins, zinc, etc. Additionally, it is a 100% veg calcium supplement for pregnancy that complies with the guidelines of the WHO and the ICMR.

Conclusion

Calcium is essential for a healthy pregnancy which benefits both the mother and the baby. The early calcium deficiency signs include brittle nails and hair, fatigue, dental issues, muscle cramps, etc., which should not be ignored. To fulfill the required daily amount of calcium, healthcare providers recommend calcium supplements for pregnancy to ensure a smooth pregnancy journey.

FAQs

What are the best sources of calcium for pregnancy?

Dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods, almonds, chia seeds, and fish with edible bones.

When should a pregnant woman start taking calcium?

Healthcare providers recommend starting calcium supplements for pregnancy from the first trimester, but the dosage needs to hike up during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

How can I increase my calcium during pregnancy?

Consuming calcium-enriched foods, fortified beverages, and the best calcium tablet for pregnancy in India can help.