Calcium is an important element that serves a critical role in skeletal mineralization. More than 99% of the calcium in the body is stored in bones to provide skeletal strength while serving as a reservoir to be released into the blood serum.
It is also crucial for maintaining healthy communication between the other parts of the body and the brain. It plays a role in cardiovascular function, muscle movement, oocyte activation, blood clotting, building strong teeth and bones, regulating heartbeat, nerve impulse transmission, and fluid balance within cells.
Long-term calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures. However, this essential element is most needed during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and periods of growth, such as childhood.
Why do you need calcium during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a baby drives its need for calcium from the mother to build strong teeth and bones, a healthy heart, muscles, and nerves, as well as to develop a normal heart rhythm and blood-clotting abilities.
Your body will do whatever it needs to fulfill your baby’s needs, including taking calcium from your bones. Calcium can also reduce your risk of preeclampsia and hypertension during pregnancy.
Therefore, it is critical to maintain a healthy dosage of calcium in pregnancy, especially during the last three months of your pregnancy when your baby has the greatest need for calcium.
Role of Calcium supplementation in preventing pre‐eclampsia
Calcium supplementation is a critical intervention for preventing a condition called pre‐eclampsia (PE). Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy in which you might have high blood pressure, other signs of organ damage, or high levels of protein in urine. that indicate kidney damage (proteinuria).
This condition usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women and if left untreated, it can lead to serious problems, and prove to be fatal for both the mother and baby.
How much calcium do pregnant women need?
Women need the same amount of calcium whether they’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or neither of these. However, the required amount of calcium does vary by age,:
- For women between the ages of 19 to 50, 1000 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day is needed.
- For women 18 and younger the required dose of calcium is 1300 mg a day.
Most women don’t get nearly enough of the required dosage, so it’s crucial to get plenty of calcium in your diet even before pregnancy. Aim to get 3 cups (24 ounces) of dairy products or other calcium-rich foods even after birth because you need this mineral to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) later in life or strengthen your bones.
Calcium benefits for females in Pregnancy
calcium tablets benefits are as follows;
- Strengthens and builds bones of baby and mother
- Form a healthy and strong skeleton for the baby
- Keeps the blood and muscles moving
- Helps nerves to send messages from the brain to the other body parts
- Improves the concentration of breast milk
- Develop a normal heart rhythm
- Improve blood-clotting abilities
Calcium supplements Side Effects
Calcium supplements are generally considered safe to consume however, in most people, it can cause belching or burping after consumption. Moreover, it may cause kidney issues, and stones, if taken without the recommendation of the doctor in high doses for a long period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, calcium is crucial for both mother’s and baby’s development during pregnancy. However, food alone cannot fulfill the daily requirement of calcium for pregnant women. Therefore, they can rely on calcium supplements, which support healthy bone development in babies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it beneficial to take calcium during pregnancy?
Yes, calcium intake is critical during pregnancy for the healthy development of the baby’s skeleton, bones, and muscles.
2. Is it safe to take calcium supplements while pregnant?
Yes, taking calcium supplements during pregnancy is completely safe for the healthy development of the baby. However, it is advised to consult your doctor before taking any medication on your own during pregnancy.
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