Calcium In Pregnancy
Calcium is one of the most necessary minerals during pregnancy and is constantly in demand.
Your developing baby needs calcium for his growing bones, teeth, heart, muscles and nerves, and if it’s in short supply through your diet, Baby will begin drawing it from your bones, which could then affect you negatively.
Calcium has a wide range of effects on your body, including:
- Preventing muscle cramps
- Building healthy bones and teeth
- Helping prevent pre-eclampsia, cardio vascular disease, and cancer
- Helping to ensure healthy skin
Recommended calcium intake
You generally don’t have to worry about overdosing on calcium, although taking exceptionally high doses of calcium for long periods can strain your kidneys and therefore compromise your circulatory system and affect Baby.
Usually it’s recommended to take 1000mg of calcium per day, although your doctor may increase this for special needs such as high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Sources of calcium
It’s possible to get enough calcium naturally if you follow a healthy, balanced diet. Some examples of foods that contain calcium are tofu, almonds, oranges, kiwi, broccoli, green beans, and dark leafy greens like kale. Don’t rely on dairy products as these can cause problems such as excess mucus.
Always consult your doctor before taking any supplementation as there can be some side effects. Generally, it’s best to have a balanced intake of calcium, magnesium, and zinc and to avoid taking iron supplements at the same time as calcium supplements.