Calcium-rich Diet During Pregnancy

You may think that drinking a glass of milk daily or snacking on cheese can help meet your calcium requirements, but that’s only partially true. While milk and cheese are a good source of calcium, they are not enough to fulfil your calcium requirements, especially now that you’re pregnant. The little one growing inside you needs calcium for the healthy growth of their bones and teeth, and you need to up your calcium intake (if you’re not getting enough of it), and ensure that it comes from healthy sources. Calcium is a key mineral you need during pregnancy (and even otherwise), along with other vitamins and minerals. Read this article to understand how much calcium you need while pregnant, its benefits, food sources, and more.

How Much Calcium Do You Need While Pregnant?

Ideally, women need to consume about 1,000 mg of calcium daily before, during, and after pregnancy. The World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (part of the United Nations) recommend a dietary intake of 1,200 mg of calcium daily for pregnant women.

Calcium is a vital nutrient. Taking calcium during the first trimester helps in foetal growth and ensures transmission of nerve impulses, development of muscles and a strong heart, besides building stronger bones and teeth. Inadequate calcium intake could result in rickets or weak limbs and even lead to retarded growth.

Adequate intake of calcium during the second trimester may reduce the risk of preeclampsia, as the nutrient aids muscle contraction and helps in regulating blood pressure. Taking calcium in the second trimester may also prevent leg and muscle cramps, a common problem at this stage.

The need for calcium during third-trimester increases as the baby’s skeleton is developing at a faster rate than before to prepare for delivery.

Health Benefits of Calcium for Pregnant Women

As mentioned above, calcium offers health benefits to both mother and child. Here are a few of the benefits which make calcium an important part of a pregnancy diet.

Benefits for the Mother

Calcium can lower the risk of hypertension and preeclampsia, two common pregnancy complications. The deficiency of this nutrient can impact both mother and baby, leading to osteopenia, tremors, muscle cramping, tetanus, delayed foetal growth, low birth weight, and poor foetal mineralisation. Calcium intake during pregnancy has a positive impact on lowering the risk of hypertension too.

Benefits for the Baby

In pregnancy, the developing baby draws calcium from the mother to build strong bones and teeth. Eating calcium-rich food during pregnancy is vital because it helps develop a normal heart rhythm and blood-clotting capabilities.

Sources of Calcium During Pregnancy

Calcium is available in many food groups including fruits. Here is a list of foods you may choose if you are looking at increasing your calcium intake while pregnant.

Foods:

Milk and dairy products are a good source of calcium, as are calcium-fortified cereal, juice, canned fish, soy and bread. But not all the products are calcium-fortified, so make sure you check the label before opting for milk or dairy products. Some of the calcium rich foods for pregnancy include:

1. Cottage cheese: One cup of cottage cheese (250 ml) contains up to 138 mg calcium.
2. Yoghurt: Yoghurt is high in calcium, and an eight-ounce serving of yoghurt (about 237 ml) can provide up to 450 mg of calcium.
3. Milk: A cup of milk (250 ml) contains 300 mg of calcium.
4. Almonds: Almonds have high calcium content. A quarter-cup serving contains around 88 mg of calcium. Figs, dates, pistachios, and walnuts are also rich in calcium.
5. Salmon: A 3-ounce can of fish like salmon contains about 180 mg of calcium.
6. Spinach: A cooked serving of spinach contains up to 120 mg calcium.

Fruits

Consider eating calcium-rich fruits during pregnancy if you are lactose intolerant and cannot consume dairy products. These include:

1. Oranges: A 100 gm serving of oranges provides 40 mg of calcium.
2. Tangerines: A 100 gm serving of tangerines contains about 37 mg of calcium.
3. Kiwi: A 100 gm serving of kiwi contains about 34 mg of calcium.
4. Strawberries: A 100 gm serving of strawberries contains about 16 mg of calcium.

Your body needs Vitamin D in order to absorb calcium. So, ensure that you also get adequate Vitamin D in your diet.

Can Your Take Calcium Supplements While Pregnant?

Taking calcium supplements during pregnancy is a subject of debate. Your doctor may prescribe a calcium supplement if she deems it necessary, but remember that your body’s calcium absorption capability is 500 mg at a time. Do not consume calcium supplements without consulting your doctor first, as excessive calcium consumption can trigger adverse effects on the body.

Calcium supplements are available in various forms and can be taken as capsules, chews, liquids, powders or calcium tablets during pregnancy. The common sources of calcium supplements are carbonate and citrate, which are easily absorbed by the body.

Warning: Over Consumption of Calcium During Pregnancy

Calcium intake during pregnancy needs to be regulated because of its side effects. Consuming too much calcium may cause constipation, increase the risk of urinary stones, and cause infection in the urinary tract. It can also hamper the absorption of other essential micronutrients in your body. It is thus advisable to stick to the doses of supplements prescribed by the gynaecologist.

Consuming a calcium-rich diet during pregnancy is beneficial for both the mother and the baby. Maintain the intake of this nutrient even after pregnancy to ensure good health for yourself and the baby.