An Overview of Calcium and Pregnancy
It is important for pregnant women to get enough
calcium. Not only does adequate calcium help to strengthen a baby's bones, it also helps to prevent weakening of the mom's bones as well. Pregnant women can meet their daily calcium requirement either through calcium-rich foods or through calcium supplements.
Am I Getting Enough Calcium?
Most women have a fairly good idea about whether they consume enough calcium or not. Are you one of those women who practically lives on milk, cheese, and other dairy? Or do you struggle to choke down even a small glass of milk? Either way, you probably know whether you are likely to be deficient of not.
The recommended Adequate Intake (AI) of calcium for pregnant women is 1000 mg per day (or 1300 mg per day, for women 18 years or younger). This is exactly the same amount recommended for men or non-pregnant women of the same age. Many women easily get enough calcium through a healthy and well-rounded diet. However, many women will need to take calcium supplements, especially if they do not consume much dairy.
Keep in mind that
prenatal vitamins do not contain much calcium. Calcium is a bulky mineral, and adding a large dose of calcium to a prenatal vitamin would make the tablets too large to swallow.
