Contents:
- Medical Video: The Importance of Calcium During Pregnancy
- Why is calcium so important when pregnant?
- How much calcium do you need for pregnant women every day?
- How do you meet these calcium needs?
Medical Video: The Importance of Calcium During Pregnancy
When pregnant, the number of nutritional needs increases. Yes, because indeed pregnant women also have to meet the nutritional needs of their fetus to support their growth and development. One important nutrient that is fulfilled by their needs during pregnancy is calcium. Why is calcium so important to be fulfilled during pregnancy?
Why is calcium so important when pregnant?
As you know, calcium is a mineral that is needed to build strong bones. During pregnancy, maternal calcium requirements increase because calcium is needed to build fetal bones and teeth in the womb. Teeth have actually been formed when the fetus is still in the womb. However, new teeth appear from inside the gum when the baby is around 5 months old.
Not only for the growth of bones and teeth, calcium is also needed for the growth of the heart, nerves and muscles of a healthy fetus. Also, to support the development of a normal fetal heartbeat and support the fetal body's ability to freeze blood, as reported by Baby center.
For pregnant women, calcium can also help reduce risk hypertension during pregnancy and preeclampsia. Where, hypertension and preeclampsia can adversely affect pregnant women and fetal development.
Calcium cannot be produced by the body so calcium needs must be met from the outside, namely from food and supplements (if needed). When a pregnant woman is unable to meet calcium needs for the fetus, the fetus will take calcium from the mother's bone. Thus, a lack of calcium intake can interfere with the mother's own bone health. That is why calcium needs are very important for pregnant women.
How much calcium do you need for pregnant women every day?
Calcium needs for pregnant women increase as much as 200 mg of normal needs. According to the 2013 Nutrition Adequacy Rate (AKG), the needs of pregnant women vary depending on the age of pregnant women.
- Pregnant women aged 18 and under need calcium as much as 1400 mg per day
- Pregnant women aged 19-29 years need 1300 mg of calcium per day
- Pregnant women aged 30-49 years need 1200 mg of calcium per day
The calcium needs of young pregnant women are more than those of older pregnant women. This is because pregnant women who are still young also have to fulfill their calcium needs for their own bone growth which is still running, in addition to fulfilling calcium requirements for their fetus.
How do you meet these calcium needs?
Calcium needs for pregnant women can be fulfilled by consuming various calcium source foods. One well-known source of calcium is milk. Milk and its products, such as cheese and yogurt, are the highest sources of calcium. In a glass of milk, calcium contains almost 300 mg. So, if you drink milk three times a day, your new calcium requirement is 900 mg (3 × 300 mg).
To meet the remaining needs, you still need to consume calcium source food others.
Some other foods that contain calcium are:
- Sardines with bones
- Salmon with bones
- Anchovy
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Bokcoy
- White bread
- Ice cream
It is difficult to meet high calcium requirements if you rarely consume calcium-source foods or drinks, especially milk, yogurt and cheese. Food sources of calcium may not be consumed every day. Some of you may not like or cannot drink milk while pregnant.
Then, to continue to meet calcium needs while pregnant, pregnant women can take calcium supplements if necessary. However, still consult with your doctor before you use any supplements during pregnancy.
