Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : May 12, 2016 12:33 PM IST
Read this article in HINDI.
Among the other nutrients like folic acid and iron that you need during pregnancy, one of the key nutrients that should be loaded up is calcium. Along with other multivitamins, your gynaecologist will definitely prescribe calcium supplements too. Although calcium is known to improve bone strength and development, most people are unaware of the fact that calcium plays a vital role during pregnancy. Here s what Dr Uma Vaidyanathan, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Max Hospital, New Delhi, has to say about the role of calcium during pregnancy.
#1. Aids in the bone development of the infants
It goes without saying that calcium is needed for proper fetal bone development. As the calcium needed for the baby's bone development is taken from the maternal calcium stores, maternal calcium reserves are depleted. And hence, it is important to increase the intake of calcium. As the dietary intake of calcium might not suffice the increased demand of calcium, it is important to take calcium supplements. Also, read about 9 ways to prevent bone density loss.
#2. Prevents bone loss in pregnant women
With the increased need of calcium for fetal bone development, there are high chances that the pregnant women might suffer from calcium deficiency. Moreover, the rate of bone resorption is increased and the bone mineral density is lowered, especially during the third trimester. And hence, increasing the intake of calcium in form of supplements is one of the effective ways to prevent calcium deficiency.
#3. Increases breast milk production
Not many people are aware of the fact that calcium is also needed for the production of breast milk. During lactation, there is an increased stress on calcium consumption. On an average, around 300 400 mg of calcium is lost in the production of breast milk every day. And to meet this demand, there is an increased resorption of calcium from the bone. As this might lead to an obligate loss of calcium from the mother's body, leading to low calcium level in the body, intake of calcium supplements is advised to prevent bone loss and maintain calcium level in the body. Also, read about how to increase breast milk supply naturally with these 10 foods.
Tips to keep in mind when taking calcium supplements
As 1000mg/day is the daily recommended dose of calcium for pregnant women, your daily diet might fail to fulfil the daily dose and hence, calcium supplements are prescribed to meet your daily requirement. However, to make the most of it, here is what you should do-
Take vitamin D supplements or eat foods fortified with vitamin D as it helps in the absorption of calcium by the bones.
If you are taking iron supplements, avoid taking them along with calcium supplements as iron hinders the absorption of calcium. Here's more on what happens if you take iron and calcium supplements together?
In some cases, use of calcium supplements is found to cause constipation/diarrhoea. Some people have reported symptoms of belching due to the intake of calcium supplements. If this is the case with you, consult your doctor immediately to change the formulation rather than deciding to stop taking the medications. Here's more on pregnancy week-by-week guide what to expect.
Image Source: Shutterstock
