How can pregnant women supplement calcium? How much calcium supplements do they need to take?

Recommendations for calcium supplementation for ordinary pregnant women. Randomized controlled studies have shown that calcium supplementation during pregnancy and delivery helps postpartum bone recovery and reduces the number of dental caries in their offspring. For ordinary pregnant women, it is recommended to supplement calcium at least 600 mg per day from the second trimester until delivery, which is beneficial for postpartum bone density increase and bone recovery (Class I recommendation, Level B evidence).

Recommendations for calcium supplementation for ordinary pregnant women in areas with low calcium intake: Pregnant women in areas with low calcium intake, including some cities in China and all suburban and rural areas, especially those who do not have the habit of drinking milk, need calcium supplementation. The WHO's calcium supplementation during pregnancy to prevent eclampsia and its complications (2018) recommends that pregnant women with low dietary calcium intake should take calcium supplements (1500-2000 mg of oral elemental calcium) every day.

Recommendations for calcium supplementation in pregnant women at high risk of hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy: Multiple studies have observed the relationship between calcium supplementation and the risk of hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy, and have reached relatively consistent research results, showing that calcium supplementation can provide clinical benefits. Meta-analysis results indicate that high-dose calcium supplementation (≥1000 mg/d) may reduce the risk of preeclampsia, especially for women with a low-calcium diet (level A evidence).
[Source: "Expert Consensus on Calcium Supplementation for Pregnant and Lactating Women in China (2021)"]