Why is Calcium So Important For You & Your Baby During Pregnancy?

A woman's dietary requirement for different nutrients increases during pregnancy. Calcium is among the most important nutrients you require during pregnancy as it aids to help develop the baby’s vital structure. Taking the right amount of calcium during pregnancy is essential and it is important to make sure you are having enough.

In this article, we will discuss how much calcium you need during pregnancy, the benefits of calcium during pregnancy, sources of calcium and complications that may arise due to calcium deficiency during pregnancy.

Importance of Calcium During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the need for calcium for your health and your baby’s health increases. Getting adequate calcium during pregnancy is important because of the following reasons:

1. Supports foetal development

In your baby’s case, calcium is required for the formation of bones and teeth and it also plays a significant role in the development of the heart, muscles, and nerves.

2. Lowers risk of osteoporosis

A mother-to-be needs enough calcium during pregnancy to support her baby's growth and development. Not getting enough calcium during pregnancy can increase your risk of osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones brittle.

3. Prevents pregnancy complications

Additionally, getting adequate calcium during pregnancy can help prevent conditions like pre-eclampsia, premature birth and neonatal mortality.

How Much Calcium Do You Need During Pregnancy?

A mother-to-be needs around 1,300 mg of calcium during pregnancy. According to the national guideline, the daily recommended dietary allowance for calcium during pregnancy is 1200 mg per day. So, if you are not taking enough calcium during pregnancy, it can result in weak bones and there are chances of developing osteoporosis. Additionally, it can increase your risk of pregnancy complications.

Healthy Sources of Calcium During Pregnancy?

You can get calcium during pregnancy from these food sources:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Soybeans
• Baked beans
• Almonds
• Leafy greens
• Sesame seeds
• Raisings
• Tofu
• Soya milk
• Rice milk
• Foxnuts
• Sardines
• Chia Seeds

What Complications Can Arise Due to Low Calcium During Pregnancy?

Not consuming enough calcium during pregnancy can lead to the following complications:

• High blood pressure
• Premature birth
• Low weight at birth
• Numbness and tingling in fingers
• Slower growth of baby
• Heart problems
• Cramps
• Poor appetite
• Increased risk of fracture

What Complications Can Arise Due to Excessive Calcium During Pregnancy?

Ingesting too much calcium during pregnancy can result in the following complications:

• Kidney stones
• Dysrhythmia
• Trouble in the absorption of other minerals
• Constipation

Why Do You Need Both Vitamin D and Calcium During Pregnancy?

Vitamin D is essential to help your body absorb calcium. This vitamin along with calcium work together to promote strong and healthy bones. Along with calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements can be taken as we don’t get the required amount of vitamin D from sunlight and food. Besides this, many calcium-rich foods are also enriched and fortified with vitamin D and can be included in your diet. In addition to a healthy diet, you can take calcium supplements which your doctor recommends, to fill in any gaps.

Final Thoughts

A well-balanced and nutritious diet along with prenatal vitamins and supplements will generally meet all your calcium needs during pregnancy. But if you think you are deficient in calcium during pregnancy, especially if you're unable to eat dairy products, it's best to discuss supplementation with your doctor.