Calcium for pregnant women: strong bones of the baby

Calcium for pregnant women: strong bones of the baby

The role of calcium in the formation of the healthy skeleton of the fetus

Pregnancy is a period of intensive growth and development, when the mother’s body provides everything necessary for the unborn child. Calcium plays a crucial role in this process, being the main building material for the skeleton and teeth of the fetus. The adequate intake of calcium into the mother’s body is critical of the formation of strong bones and teeth in the baby, as well as for maintaining the health of the bone tissue of the pregnant woman herself.

Calcium is not only responsible for the mineralization of bones, but also participates in a number of important physiological processes, both in the mother and in the child. It is necessary for the normal operation of the cardiovascular system, nervous system and muscles. Participates in blood coagulation processes, transmission of nerve impulses and regulation of hormonal activity.

During pregnancy, the need for calcium increases significantly, since the fetus actively takes calcium from the mother’s body to form her skeleton. If the consumption of calcium is not enough, the mother’s body will extract it from her own bones, which can lead to osteoporosis in the future.

The need for calcium during pregnancy: norms and recommendations

The recommended daily dose of calcium for pregnant women is 1000 mg. This norm refers to women aged 19-50. For pregnant women under the age of 19, the need for calcium is slightly higher and is 1300 mg per day.

It is important to note that these figures are general recommendations and can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the body, health status and the presence of concomitant diseases. Therefore, before making any changes to your diet or take calcium additives, you must consult a doctor.

The doctor can evaluate individual calcium needs on the basis of an anamnesis, physical examination and laboratory tests, such as a blood test for calcium, vitamin D and other indicators.

The consequences of calcium deficiency during pregnancy

Calcium deficiency during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the child.

• For mother:

  • Osteoporosis: The insufficient intake of calcium leads to the fact that the mother’s body begins to extract it from her own bones, which over time can lead to osteoporosis – a disease characterized by a decrease in bone density and increasing risk of fractures.
  • Convulsions: Calcium is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, and its deficit can lead to convulsions, especially in the legs.
  • Increased blood pressure: Studies show that calcium deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of developing preeclampsia – a dangerous state characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine.
  • Tooth problems: The lack of calcium can lead to dental destruction and other dental problems.

• For a child:

  • Slow development of the skeleton: Calcium is the main building material for bones and teeth, and its deficiency can lead to slow development of the fetal skeleton.
  • Rakhite: In severe cases, calcium deficiency can lead to rickets – a disease characterized by bone deformation.
  • Increased risk of fractures: The insufficient intake of calcium into the mother’s body can lead to the fact that the child’s bones will be more fragile and subject to fractures.
  • Low birth weight: Studies show that calcium deficiency can be associated with low birth weight.

Calcium sources: food and additives

You can provide the body with a sufficient amount of calcium during pregnancy using a balanced diet and, if necessary, taking calcium additives.

• Food products rich in calcium:

  • Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cheese – excellent sources of calcium. Choose low fat foods.
  • Green sheet vegetables: Spinach, cabbage, broccoli – contain a significant amount of calcium.
  • Fish with bones: Sardins, canned salmon – contain a lot of calcium, as they are used with bones.
  • Enriched products: Some products, such as soy milk, orange juice and cereals, are enriched with calcium.
  • Almond: A good source of calcium and other beneficial nutrients.
  • TOF: Especially if it is prepared using calcium sulfate.
  • Sesame: It contains a lot of calcium, but its assimilation can be difficult due to the high content of phytic acid.

• Calcium additives:

  • Calcium carbonate: The most common form of calcium additives. It is best absorbed when eating.
  • Calcium citrate: It is easier to digest than calcium carbonate, and can be taken regardless of food intake. It is recommended for people with problems of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Calcium phosphate: It is well absorbed and rarely causes side effects.
  • Calcium lactate: It is easily absorbed, but contains less calcium than other forms.

When choosing a calcium additive, it is important to pay attention to the following factors:

• Calcium content: Make sure that the supplement contains a sufficient amount of calcium to satisfy your needs.
• Calcium form: Choose the form of calcium, which is best absorbed by your body.
• The presence of vitamin D: Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Many calcium additives contain vitamin D.
• Side effects: Some calcium additives can cause side effects, such as constipation or bloating. If you have any side effects, stop taking the additive and consult your doctor.
• Origin and quality: Choose additives from trusted manufacturers to be confident in their quality and safety.

Vitamin D and its role in the assimilation of calcium

Vitamin D plays a key role in the absorption of calcium. It helps the body absorb calcium from food and transfer it to the bones. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a decrease in blood calcium levels and, as a result, to a deterioration in bone health.

The recommended daily dose of vitamin D for pregnant women is 600 IU (international units).

Sources of vitamin D:

• Sunlight: The body produces vitamin D under the influence of sunlight. It is enough to spend 15-20 minutes a day in the sun to provide the body with the necessary amount of vitamin D. However, it should be remembered about precautions, such as the use of sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
• Food: Bold fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolks, beef liver, enriched products (milk, cereals).
• Vitamin additives: If necessary, the doctor may prescribe vitamin D in the form of an additive.

Calcium interaction with other substances

Some substances may affect the absorption of calcium. It is important to consider these interactions when planning your diet and taking drugs.

• Fitinic acid: Contained in grain products, legumes and nuts. She can bind calcium and prevent his assimilation. Landing, germination and fermentation of grains and legumes can reduce the content of phytic acid.
• Shardic acid: Contained in spinach, rhubarb and other green vegetables. She can also bind calcium and impede his assimilation.
• Caffeine: Calcation of urine can increase.
• Sodium: Excessive consumption of sodium can also increase the excretion of calcium in urine.
• Some drugs: Some drugs, such as corticosteroids and diuretics, can affect the level of calcium in the body.

Calcium and preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Studies show that calcium deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.

Some studies suggest that taking calcium additives during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preeclampsia, especially in women with high risk. However, it is necessary to conduct additional research to confirm these results.

If you have a high risk of developing preeclampsia, discuss with the doctor the need to take calcium additives.

Calcium and lactation

During lactation, the need for calcium also remains high, since the mother’s body continues to provide the baby with calcium through breast milk. The recommended daily dose of calcium for nursing women is 1000 mg.

The insufficient intake of calcium during lactation can lead to a decrease in the density of bone tissue in the mother. Therefore, it is important to continue to use products rich in calcium, and, if necessary, take calcium additives.

Recommendations for receiving calcium additives

If you decide to take calcium additives, follow the following recommendations:

• Consult a doctor: Before you start taking calcium additives, be sure to consult a doctor to determine the optimal dose and form of calcium for you.
• Divide the dose: If you need to take a large dose of calcium, divide it into several tricks during the day. This will improve calcium absorption.
• Take calcium with food: Calcium carbonate is best absorbed when eating.
• Drink enough water: Calcium can cause constipation, so it is important to drink enough water.
• Avoid simultaneous calcium with iron: Calcium may prevent the assimilation of iron. Take calcium and iron at different times of the day.
• Follow side effects: If you have any side effects, stop taking the additive and consult your doctor.
• Choose quality additives: Buy calcium additives from trusted manufacturers to be confident in their quality and safety.

Calcium for vegetarians and vegan during pregnancy

It is especially important for vegetarians and vegans to monitor sufficient intake of calcium during pregnancy, as they do not use dairy products that are the main source of calcium.

Sources of calcium for vegetarians and vegans:

• Green sheet vegetables: Spinach, cabbage, broccoli – contain a significant amount of calcium.
• Enriched products: Soy milk, orange juice, cereals – enriched with calcium.
• Almond: A good source of calcium and other beneficial nutrients.
• TOF: Especially if it is prepared using calcium sulfate.
• Sesame: It contains a lot of calcium, but its assimilation can be difficult due to the high content of phytic acid.
• Calcium additives: If necessary, the doctor may prescribe calcium additives.

It is important to remember that the assimilation of calcium from plant sources can be difficult due to the content of fitin and oxalic acids. Therefore, it is recommended to consume products rich in calcium, along with products containing vitamin D, to improve the absorption of calcium.

Conclusion

Calcium plays a vital role in the formation of a healthy skeleton and teeth in the fetus during pregnancy. Adequate calcium consumption is necessary for both the health of the mother and for the health of the child. You can provide the body with a sufficient amount of calcium using a balanced diet and, if necessary, taking calcium additives. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the optimal dose and form of calcium for you, given your individual needs and health status. Regular intake of vitamin D is also important for improving calcium absorption. Pay enough attention to your nutrition and health during pregnancy to provide your child with strong bones and healthy development.