Calcium is an important mineral for the body. It makes our bones and teeth strong, besides supporting our heart, muscles, and nerves. Calcium is essential for every woman, irrespective of whether she is pregnant or not. However, your body should receive adequate calcium during pregnancy in order to support you and your developing baby. Failing to do so can create serious health problems.
While calcium can be obtained through diet, National Guidelines suggest pregnant women in India should take calcium supplements in the form of calcium tablets for pregnancy to maintain optimal levels of the mineral in their bodies.
Why Is There a Need for Calcium Supplementation During Pregnancy?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium during pregnancy is 1000–1200 mg daily. But past data suggests that pregnant women and lactating mothers in India receive less than 30% of their daily RDA of calcium. Considering this gap, national guidelines are created to ensure every pregnant and lactating mother in India receives the right amount of calcium through diet and supplementation.
How Does Calcium Benefit Pregnancy?
Calcium has many benefits for pregnant women and their developing babies. It is required for strengthening your baby’s bones and teeth. Plus, it is also required for heart, muscle, and nerve development. When you don’t have enough calcium, your body draws calcium from your bones so that it can support your baby’s development. This leads to a loss in bone mass and can increase your risk of osteoporosis.
However, taking adequate amounts of calcium during pregnancy can help in maintaining bone mass and strength of your bones. Furthermore, optimal levels of calcium during pregnancy can reduce pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) risk, and the chances of preterm birth and neonatal mortality.
How Much Calcium Do You Need When Pregnant?
Pregnant women aged 19–50 years need around 1000–1200 mg of calcium every day. Younger females need 1300 mg daily. It is important to maintain these levels so problems due to low calcium do not arise. Ideally, 3-4 servings of calcium-rich foods should be able to provide you with enough calcium for the day.
However, how much calcium you actually get depends on food quality and how much you’re able to eat when pregnant.
Getting Calcium Through Diet
The healthiest way to get all the calcium you need during pregnancy is through a healthy diet. There are many calcium-rich foods you can eat and enjoy. Some of them are:
- Dairy products: Milk, Buttermilk, Yoghurt, Cheese, Paneer
- Dried fruits and seeds: Almonds, Dates, Sesame seeds
- Leafy vegetables: Spinach, Kale, Amaranth leaves
- Calcium-fortifies foods: Cereals, Orange juice
- Beans: Chickpeas, Beans, Red Lentils
While most pregnant women can enjoy these foods without a problem, check with your doctor if you have a concern regarding a particular food. You can also connect with a dietician to make a diet plan that ensures you get sufficient calcium and other nutrients every day throughout your pregnancy.
Taking Calcium Tablets for Pregnancy
As stated earlier, it has been observed that many pregnant women do not get enough calcium through diet alone. For this reason, a calcium supplement during pregnancy is advised to all pregnant women and lactating mothers. These supplements are also beneficial for women who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.
The most common form of supplementation prescribed to pregnant women is calcium tablets. Supplements either contain calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate is best taken with meals, whereas calcium citrate can be taken with or without food. However, calcium carbonate is a preferred choice because it is less expensive and is absorbed more quickly than the other form of calcium.
Taking calcium tablets along with a healthy diet ensures mothers-to-be have adequate amounts of the mineral in their bodies.
How to Take Calcium Tablets During Pregnancy?
As per National Guidelines, pregnant women should start taking calcium tablets from the 14th week of pregnancy and continue taking them until 6 months after delivery. Each tablet must contain 500 mg of elemental calcium and 250 IU of vitamin D3 as found in Shelcal 500 calcium tablet. Your doctor will suggest which supplement you need to take and the exact time when you need to take it.
Here are some pointers related to calcium tablets for pregnant women:
1. Calcium tablets must be taken two times a day—once in the morning/afternoon and the other in the evening/night.
2. Tablets must be taken with a meal. Do not take them on an empty stomach.
3. Never take both calcium tablets together, as it can alter the absorption of other vital nutrients such as iron.
4. Do not take iron and calcium tablets together.
5. Take calcium tablets with a full glass of water.
Do Calcium Tablets Cause Any Side Effects?
When taken in recommended doses, calcium tablets usually do not cause any side effects. Some may feel bloated, constipated, or have mild gastritis symptoms. If that happens, make sure you take the tablet with meals.
It is also important to note that the upper safe limit for calcium is 2500 mg daily. So, it is essential to stick to the dose suggested by your doctor. Taking more than that can increase the risk of kidney stones and UTIs. It may also hinder the absorption of other vital nutrients.
Keep note of the signs of excessive calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) and let your doctor know if you feel you are taking too much calcium or experience any of the following signs of hypercalcemia:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Frequent thirst
- Muscle weakness
Who Should Not Take Calcium Supplements?
Calcium supplements are not meant for everyone. People who have health conditions that cause too much calcium in the blood must avoid taking calcium tablets. It is, therefore, advisable to tell your doctor about your medical history and any medications or supplements you are taking so they can assess your need for calcium supplementation.
Only when your doctor says it is okay for you to take calcium tablets, you must go ahead and take them.
Final Thoughts
Calcium is vital for a pregnant woman and her baby. It is necessary for bones, teeth, the heart, muscles, and nerves. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to consume adequate calcium.
Though food is the best and most natural way to get the required calcium, many women fail to get sufficient amounts through food alone. That’s why doctors often prescribe calcium tablets for pregnancy so enough calcium is available for both the mother and her baby.
FAQs
What is the relationship between a calcium supplement and pregnancy?
A calcium supplement and pregnancy go hand in hand, as calcium is essential for your baby's bone development and maintaining maternal bone health. Adequate calcium intake can also reduce the risk of complications like preeclampsia.
Is it safe to take a calcium supplement while pregnant?
Yes, taking a calcium supplement while pregnant is generally safe and recommended if dietary calcium intake is insufficient. Consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.
How do I choose the best calcium tablet for pregnancy?
The best calcium tablet for pregnancy should have high bioavailability, be easy to digest, and ideally include Vitamin D to enhance absorption. Always check with your healthcare provider for a recommendation.
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