Role of Calcium During Pregnancy

Calcium is needed for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Recent studies point to a likely link between calcium deficiency and the development of maternal hypertensive disorders (high blood pressure) in pregnancy. Calcium may also playa role in preterm birth. Neither of these associations has been proven. Calcium supplementation is not a routine requirement. Sufficient calcium can be achieved through diet.

Four eight-ounce glasses of milk a day, or its equivalent in cheese or yogurt, supply enough calcium for the pregnant woman’s needs. (Ice cream is high in calcium, but the caloric and fat load is high too!) If you don’t drink milk or eat dairy products, you can take a calcium supplement-l ,200 mg a day in divided doses.

Calcium citrate is absorbed whether or not you take the supplement with food while calcium carbonate needs to be taken with food. The disadvantage of taking a calcium supplement over getting enough calcium from dietary sources is that dairy products also supply a lot of protein, at low cost. If you don’t drink milk or eat other dairy, you need 32 grams more protein than the woman who drinks a quart of milk a day. This is the equivalent in protein of 4 eggs, about 4-5 ounces of meat, 1 cup of most nuts, or 1½ cups of legumes. Calcium supplementation might cause constipation in some women.