Introduction:
Calcium plays a vital role in the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy. This essential nutrient contributes to fetal development and ensures the mother’s well-being throughout the journey. This article is meant to help pregnant women have a healthy pregnancy by teaching them about the benefits of calcium supplements and giving them tips based on evidence from different credible sources.
The Role of Calcium in Pregnancy
Calcium is crucial for many aspects of fetal development and maternal health:
Fetal development
Formation of bones and teeth, with the fetus accumulating about 30 grams of calcium by the end of pregnancy
Development of the heart, nerves, and muscles
Maternal health
Maintaining bone density, supporting dental health, and preventing osteoporosis
Supporting nervous system function, muscle contractions, and blood clotting
Calcium Requirements during Pregnancy
A mother’s daily calcium intake is affected by many things, such as her eating habits, her culture, and the availability of calcium-rich foods. Pregnant women’s average daily calcium intake ranges between 650 and 900 mg/day.
Recommended daily intake
Experts recommend 1,000 mg of calcium daily for pregnant women aged 19–50 and 1,300 mg for pregnant adolescents aged 14–18. These guidelines are based on recommendations from the Institute of Medicine and the Committee on Obstetric Practice.
Meeting calcium requirements through diet
To meet your daily calcium requirements, include calcium-rich foods in your diet, such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and calcium-fortified foods. Maximize calcium absorption by limiting caffeine and sodium intake and considering food sources with higher bioavailability. It’s also essential to note that calcium absorption efficiency increases during pregnancy.
Calcium Supplementation in Pregnancy
Determining the need for supplementation
Please consult your doctor to assess the need for calcium supplements, the appropriate dosage, and when to start taking them.
Benefits of supplementation
Calcium supplementation during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia by up to 55%, high blood pressure, and preterm birth, especially for women with low dietary calcium intake. These benefits are based on international recommendations.
Supplementation guidelines
Adopt a daily routine of taking supplements, preferably with meals. Separate calcium supplements from iron supplements by at least two hours to avoid interference with absorption. Ensure adequate vitamin D intake (600–1,000 IU daily) for optimal calcium absorption. Be careful about taking too much calcium because it can cause side effects like constipation or kidney stones.
Tips for Sri Lankan Expecting Mothers
- Incorporate local calcium-rich foods into your diet.
- Talk to your doctor about taking calcium supplements, keeping in mind that it could help prevent hypertension and other problems.
- Monitor dietary calcium intake and make necessary adjustments to meet the recommended daily intake.
- Ensure adequate vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure, diet, or supplementation.
Conclusion:
The importance of calcium and calcium supplementation during pregnancy cannot be overstated for both maternal and fetal health. Calcium is very important for a healthy pregnancy because it helps prevent pre-eclampsia and keeps bones healthy. We encourage expecting mothers to consult their doctor to discuss individual needs and make informed decisions based on their dietary habits and medical history. Also, making sure you have enough vitamin D is important because it works with calcium to improve your health during this important time.
At Sugabi Clinic, we are committed to providing specialized care and individualized attention to ensure a positive pregnancy experience. By learning about important nutrients like calcium and listening to what experts say, you can help your growing family stay healthy and have a bright future. Always consult your doctor for personalized guidance and support tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
References
- World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/250796/9789241549912-eng.pdf?sequence=1
- National Health Service (NHS). Calcium: Vitamins and minerals [Internet]. London: National Health Service; [updated 2021 Jan 30; cited 2023 Apr 2]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/calcium/
- Hofmeyr GJ, Lawrie TA, Atallah ÁN, Duley L, Torloni MR. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems. Cochrane Database Syst Rev [Internet]. 2018 Aug 22;8(10):CD001059. Available from: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001059.pub3/full
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Nutrition During Pregnancy [Internet]. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2018 Feb. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
- International Osteoporosis Foundation. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and bone health [Internet]. Nyon (Switzerland): International Osteoporosis Foundation; [updated 2021 Feb 16; cited 2023 Apr 2]. Available from: https://www.iofbonehealth.org/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-bone-health
- World Health Organization. WHO recommendations for prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2011. Available from: https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/9789241548335/en/
- Committee on Obstetric Practice. Committee Opinion No. 762: Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Jan;133(1):e1-e7.
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium; Ross AC, Taylor CL, Yaktine AL, et al., editors. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011.
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Calcium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; [updated 2021 Feb 17; cited 2023 Apr 2]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Calcium: Fact Sheet for Consumers. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health; 2020 [cited 2023 Apr 3]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/
