Calcium is one of the essential minerals you need during pregnancy, along with vitamins and other minerals, to help your body and baby grow properly during this period. What is calcium important to a pregnant woman? And what doses are right for you during pregnancy?
What are the benefits of calcium during pregnancy?
Calcium is an important nutrient for the body during pregnancy, as it is beneficial for both the child and the mother. The benefits of calcium are:
1. The benefits of calcium for the child
Your growing child needs calcium to form bones and teeth. Calcium is also an important nutrient for your child's heart, muscles, nerves and hormones.
2. The benefits of calcium for the mother:
During pregnancy, the mother gives all calcium to the child, so when you get the recommended amount of calcium every day, you provide the necessary care for yourself and your child. If you don't get enough, it will increase your risk of osteoporosis and also affect your child's health.
Does calcium deficiency affect pregnant women?
There is a significant effect of calcium deficiency on the pregnant woman, calcium deficiency usually causes some complications, including:
- High blood pressure during pregnancy.
- Low birth weight.
- Numbness in fingers.
- Slow foetal growth.
- The child does not get enough calcium in the bones.
- Heart problems.
- muscle and leg cramps.
- Poor appetite.
- premature birth.
The cons of increasing calcium in the pregnant woman's body?
Excess calcium also affects you in a negative way, it may cause you some health problems including:
- Constipation
- kidney stones
- Difficulty in absorbing other metals such as iron and zinc
- Arrhythmia
- Low calcium in the child's body
So don't fail to take calcium during pregnancy, but make sure you get it through a healthy diet rich in calcium. Do not rely on calcium-rich supplements before consulting your doctor and performing medical tests by which the right dose is determined for you depending on your body's need during pregnancy.