We all know how important it is to eat adequately during pregnancy, not just eating but eating healthy and ensuring that our diet contains the necessary vitamins and minerals in the right proportion, which brings us to our topic for today “calcium in pregnancy.”
Calcium is a mineral that helps to provide strong bones and teeth, and also helps in the development of certain functions of the body. Calcium is vital for making a baby’s bones and teeth. It also helps to boost the muscle, heart, and nerve development and prevents the risk of pre-eclampsia (a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure).
An unborn baby will take the required calcium from the mother leaving her depleted. This puts on her bones and teeth.
The recommended dosage for calcium is between 1000mg-1300mg depending on the age of the woman. You can also get calcium from your food. The following are foods rich in calcium:
Milk, yogurt, and cheese.
Green leafy vegetables
Broccoli
Okra
Cabbage
Nuts
Calcium-fortified foods.
Unfortunately, caffeine, soda drinks, and excessive salt intake can affect the way your body absorbs calcium from foods and supplements. All of which should be consumed in microdoses in pregnancy or better still, eliminated from your diet.