Besides other essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, zinc ... calcium is also an essential nutrient for pregnant women. Therefore, the calcium supplementation for pregnant women is something that should be considered important.
Calcium is one of the most important minerals a woman's body needs during pregnancy. The body uses calcium, other vitamins and minerals to serve the needs of pregnant mothers and babies. Calcium requirements change with age, and having too much or too little calcium can also cause complications. Let's join aFamilyToday Health to find out how pregnant mothers need to supplement calcium and whether you have absorbed enough.
The human body cannot make calcium, so you need to get this mineral from food or supplements. During pregnancy, pregnant women try to absorb at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day.
Calcium is an important nutrient for the body. During pregnancy, you need more calcium for your baby's development as well as for your own health.
For the fetus: The baby needs calcium to form bones and teeth. Calcium is also an important mineral for your baby's heart, muscles, nerves and hormones.
For pregnant mothers: During pregnancy, you provide your baby with all the calcium your baby needs. Therefore, if the body does not absorb the necessary amount of calcium, pregnant mothers may encounter dangerous pregnancy complications .
Absorption of too little or too much calcium also causes complications affecting the health of pregnant mothers.
Lack of calcium in pregnant women leads to:
Numb hands
Poor taste
Heart problems
The fetus develops slowly
Cramps in the legs and muscles
High blood pressure during pregnancy
The risk of fracture in the future increases
The fetus is not getting enough calcium
In severe and rare cases, too little calcium can lead to death.
If you have any of the health problems listed above then you are more likely to absorb too little calcium. In this case, doctors will find out, recommend the appropriate additional dose ... to prevent any complications that may occur.
Contrary to the signs of calcium deficiency in pregnant women , signs of excess calcium in pregnant women include always feeling thirsty, tired, loss of appetite, not eating well. If pregnant mothers overuse functional foods and accidentally load too much calcium into the body, it will lead to:
Constipation
Kidney stones
Heart beat irregular
The fetus does not have the necessary amount of calcium
Having trouble absorbing other substances, such as iron or zinc.
It is important to find out the right dosage for each vitamin to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Milk and dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and cream are the most effective sources of calcium. Consuming 3 servings of milk per day will provide you with about 1,200mg of calcium to help meet your body's calcium needs. In addition, other foods rich in calcium include:
Fish
Cereals
Bread
Oat
Nuts
Kinds of bean
Canned sardines
Fresh juices, such as orange juice
Dark green vegetables like kale, broccoli, and spinach.
If you are a vegetarian, you still need to learn a little about your diet to make sure you will get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. If you are on a lactose-ovo vegetarian diet, you will be able to consume eggs, milk and calcium from them.
On the other hand, in the case of an absolute diet, there are still suitable dishes, including:
Sesame seeds
Lentils
Cereals
Kidney beans
Orange juice
Almond
Dried fruit
Rice milk, almond milk.
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for many reasons. Some of these include helping your body absorb calcium. The duo of vitamin D and calcium promotes strong bones.
During pregnancy, experts recommend a daily supplement of 600 IU of vitamin D.
Your body uses sunlight to naturally make vitamin D. But pregnant women can also get vitamin D from certain foods or supplements, such as:
Eat fatty fish: Fish like salmon, mackerel, swordfish, sardines and tuna can provide you with some vitamin D.
Foods rich in vitamin D: Milk, orange juice, cereals, yogurt and eggs
Take vitamin supplements for pregnant women: Most vitamins for pregnant women contain vitamin D.
Phuong Uyen / HELLOBACSI
Ease pregnancy heartburn with smaller meals, smart timing, and pregnancy-aware medication advice—without cutting nutritious foods or skipping prenatal supplements.
Help older children adjust to a new baby with honest, age-appropriate conversations, optional ways to join in, steady routines, and space for mixed feelings.
Try pregnancy-safe pillow positioning and gentle turning strategies for hip pain at night, and learn when persistent pain or other symptoms need medical care.
Morning sickness can ease and return as pregnancy symptoms fluctuate. Learn common triggers, practical steps, and when nausea or vomiting needs medical attention.
Fetal movement can feel different as pregnancy progresses, but a clear change in your baby’s usual pattern needs prompt attention. Learn what may affect what you feel and when to call.
Build a flexible birth plan by comparing pain relief, birth setting, support, and newborn care—and writing backup preferences for an unpredictable labor.
Learn how dehydration, exercise, rest, and position changes may affect Braxton Hicks contractions, what to try safely, and when to call your pregnancy care team.
Pregnancy food aversions may outlast nausea as smell, taste, and learned associations shift on different timelines. Try practical steps and learn when to call your clinician.
Pregnancy-related nasal swelling can last for weeks or months. Learn why it happens, how it differs from allergies or infection, what may help, and when to call your clinician.
Learn practical ways to manage frequent urination during pregnancy while staying hydrated, plus symptoms that need prompt medical attention.
