Why Is Calcium Intake Important During Pregnancy

As soon as you are confirmed about your pregnancy, it’s obvious that your first concern is to make sure that you take the right amount of nutrients and minerals. Calcium is one of those important minerals that are highly essential for you and your unborn baby.

Why Is Calcium Important During Pregnancy?

Consuming calcium helps in various changes which happens in the fetal stage.

• It is crucial for overall strong dental and bone growth.
• It aids in a good nervous system development.
• It develops a strong heart.
• It helps in the formation of muscles.

Insufficient calcium results in rickets or results in weak limb bones. This can lead to retarded growth if not taken in adequate amount.

Can You Ignore Calcium Tablets During Pregnancy?

No, avoiding calcium is not the solution. You need to have adequate reserves of calcium to avoid health disorders later in life. Not taking enough calcium during pregnancy can lead to the following:

• If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet during pregnancy or lactation, your baby will draw it from your bones.
• Mid-life bone health disorders like rheumatoid, arthritis and osteoporosis are common occurrences in such cases.
• Hypertension during pregnancy and pre-mature delivery is common instances when calcium intake is very low.
• Calcium helps in hormone secretion and blood clot and neglecting the intake can disrupt the same.

What Are Sources of Calcium During Pregnancy?

While you are pregnant, you need to be extremely careful to include calcium in your diet. It is not just milk that will give you a good dose of the wonder mineral. There are various dairy and non-dairy foods that can add a dose of calcium in your daily menu. Before you try any of these, make sure to first check with your doctor:

• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Cottage
• Mozzarella
• Tofu
• Spinach
• Salmon
• Roasted sesame seeds
• Soya
• Roasted Almonds
• Fruit juices

In Case You Are Lactose Intolerant?

While having milk is the easiest way to get your calcium requirement during pregnancy, it could be a problem if you are lactose intolerant. Cases where the enzyme called lactase is not able to break down lactose, the sugar in milk, are called lactose intolerance. You could be one, if drinking milk leads you to feel the following symptoms:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Cramps
• Gas

In such cases, speak to your doctor about supplements.

Do You Go Woozy About Milk?

Does the smell of milk make you feel queasy in your stomach? It is normal to feel nauseous about milk during pregnancy. You don’t need to give up on milk in your diet altogether though. You can substitute it with some smart choices after consulting with your doctor.

Here are a few ways to sneak in some calcium in your diet:

• Consult your doctor for substituting the enzyme with chewable lactase capsules or calcium tablets during pregnancy.
• Another option is liquid lactase. Add a drop or two into milk or other dairy product to avoid the bloat. Make sure you consult your doctor first.
• Try drinking small doses of milk at a time.
• Milk is easily digestible when mixed with high fiber food like whole grain cereal.
• If not milk, try nibbling, cheese or a whole-wheat sandwich
• Add dairy products containing less sugar, like yogurt and cottage cheese to your diet.
• Add other non-dairy products like broccoli, spinach, seafood like salmon and green peas.
• Make a fruit smoothie or a pudding.
• Soy-milk is a calcium-rich option instead of milk.

A Word About Calcium Supplements During Pregnancy:

Supplements are taken if the main source is inadequate to fulfill the required need. For those cases where you are unable to fulfill your calcium needs, choosing a supplement might be a good option. Consult with your doctor to know the best choice.

• Calcium with multi vitamin supplements are recommended when dairy products are less or nil in your daily diet.
• Your doctor will advise you about the supplements.
• Calcium supplements work best when taken with iron tablets.

Points To Remember:

While you are trying everything that will be healthy for you and your baby, make sure you keep the following in mind:

• Take calcium in required quantity. Do not go overboard.
• Too much calcium can cause digestive problems like constipation, can cause kidney stones and could hamper absorption of iron and zinc from food into the blood.
• Calcium works best with vitamin D. The best source for vitamin D is sunlight.
• Stay outdoors in the early morning sun for a few minutes every day. This will make calcium absorption much easier.

As your baby grows in your womb, you will need to be more agile and on your feet than you are now. Once your baby is born and you cross the feeding stage, continue to pamper yourself with the goodness of calcium.

 

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Article was originally posted on Momjunction