During pregnancy the requirement of calcium increases. Around 200 mg/day of calcium is taken up by the baby to develop properly. When the baby is born, about 20-30 g of calcium is found naturally in its skeleton. Later on during breastfeeding, about 1200 mg of calcium should be consumed by the mother to ensure proper growth of her baby.

Sufficient calcium intake and pregnancy are therefore related to each other. Many kinds of birth defects, abnormalities and miscarriages occur as a result of calcium deficiency in the mother. Women are advised by their doctors to obtain optimal levels of calcium from their everyday diet and to be on the safe side they should add at least one calcium supplement product to their everyday diet.

The importance of calcium intake and pregnancy can also be established by the fact that the rate of calcium loss through urine is the highest during pregnancy. To ensure proper absorption of calcium by the blood stream, vitamin D or multi-vitamin tablets should also be consumed. In addition to these, a calcium-rich diet, regular exercise and good-quality calcium supplements help to ensure healthy pregnancies.

Because of urinary calcium excretion, pregnant women are at high risk of developing kidney stones. Extra care should be taken in the context of diet and other factors during pregnancy. Avoid too much protein-rich foods coming from animal sources, and try to drink milk regularly.

In addition to this, also try to avoid soft drinks, too much sugar and salt, coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol. All these things are not only dangerous for the baby but also increase the rate of calcium loss.

Hypertension and depression are two of the most common symptoms seen in pregnant women. These again are caused due to severe calcium and other minerals’ deficiency. Heavy medication and inactivity also contribute to calcium loss and interfere in other processes. Similarly, high levels of phosphorus in the blood and high level of parathyroid hormone are dangerous for health.

To ensure a healthy pregnancy and long-term health after delivery, try to find the highest quality calcium supplements available out there. The best ones are those which have been made by mixing a calcium salt with sources of some other minerals and vitamins. These nutrients include magnesium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin K2 and sodium.

The importance of sufficient calcium intake and pregnancy cannot be overemphasized. Try to eat a balanced diet and don’t sit idle for long durations of time.