Calcium Intake during Pregnancy

[IndiaParenting]

Why is there an increased requirement of calcium during pregnancy? What will happen if calcium supplements are not taken during pregnancy? How can calcium supplements prevent osteoporosis?
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[Samruti Thakkar]

During pregnancy, there is an increased requirement of calcium as the growing baby needs more calcium for the development. Calcium is required for the development of bones in the growing baby. In absence of adequate calcium by means of supplements, teh body takes away calcium from the mother for development of baby's bones. This can be disastrous for the women as she may be probne to osteoporosis

[Preeti Gada]

Calcium supplements are a must during pregnancy as they help prevent calcium deficiency and thus osteoporosis. During pregnancy, calcium requirement is more as the growing baby also needs it for its bone development. IF calcium supplements are not taken, then the baby would take calcium from mother's bones as suggested by Samruti. this could have a disastrous affect on the mother as her bones would be weak and fragile.

[Kanchi Kothari]

When you are pregnant the body has some drastic changes and is prepared for carrying the baby.The baby requires calcium for its growth and development to build bones, muscles and teeth.

[Siya Gandhi]

Hi, calcium is an important component for baby’s development. The baby’s heart rhythm, nerves and blood clotting abilities are done with the help of calcium. It is important that the mother gets the right amount of calcium which is absorbed by the baby.

[Simran Jain]

Hello, the right amount of calcium required by a pregnant mother is 1000 milligrams per day. Calcium should be taken right before pregnancy, during the pregnancy and also after the pregnancy. This is a most important requirement and should take at least four servings in a day.

[Shweta Kale]

Calcium should be taken even after the birth of the baby as the baby still requires the calcium for the growth. It helps in strengthening of the bones and also prevents osteoporosis which is common in women.

[Sonia Roy]

There are various sources of calcium like milk and many other dairy products which are among the top ones. There are other sources like cereals, soy, juice, bread and rice beverages. You can add skin milk-yoghurt, fresh yoghurt, skim milk, ricotta cheese, spinach, turnips, sesame seeds and many more in your daily diet.

[Fatima Shreen]

Hi, it is not always necessary to take supplements. If your doctor recommends you to take supplements then you should take it under his guidance. Taking prenatal supplement will provide 200 milligram of calcium. There is no specific separate calcium supplement available.

[Ishika Seth]

The body of a mother can only absorb up to 500 milligram of calcium and if you are eating right and fulfilling the requirement of calcium then you don’t have to take the excess supplements and overdo it.

[Barkha Ghose]

Do not overdo the intake of calcium supplements as too much calcium can cause constipation and increase the risk of kidney stones and also hinder the body from absorbing zinc and iron from the food.