What does calcium deficiency look like during pregnancy? How to tell if you are calcium deficient during pregnancy

We all know that after pregnancy, pregnant mothers need to supplement a lot of nutrition to promote the development and growth of the fetus. Some pregnant mothers will be a little calcium deficient during pregnancy, so they will use various methods to supplement calcium. So what is calcium deficiency during pregnancy? Let's take a closer look!

How to tell if you are calcium deficient during pregnancy

1. Go to the hospital for a calcium test

The doctor will tell you whether you are calcium deficient through the test report. It is necessary to go to the hospital for a check-up. If the calcium deficiency is serious, it will affect the child's development. Generally, calcium can be taken at five or six months old. It is recommended to take calcium containing vitamin D for easy absorption.

2. Observe symptoms of discomfort during pregnancy

The first is joint pain.

The main component of bones is calcium. If pregnant women are calcium deficient, joint pain will occur. The main reason is that the calcium loss in the bones is not adequately supplemented. The inability to ensure the balance of blood calcium concentration causes blood calcium imbalance, which leads to symptoms of joint pain.

The second is loose teeth.

The main component of teeth is also calcium. If a pregnant woman lacks calcium in her body, she will experience loose teeth. Therefore, if loose teeth occur in the mouth, you must supplement calcium in time and also pay attention to oral care.

The third symptom is leg cramps.

The most typical symptom of calcium deficiency in pregnant women is leg cramps, but cramps are not necessarily caused by calcium deficiency. We need to rule out the possibility that they are caused by fatigue or cold. Calcium deficiency in pregnant women can cause electrolyte imbalance, leading to symptoms of calf cramps, especially at night, which can be more severe than during the day.

When is the best time to supplement calcium during pregnancy?

Most people start taking calcium supplements during the second trimester, around the fourth or fifth month.

But it also varies from person to person. For example, I started to feel soreness in my hands and feet and my calves often cramped when I was two months pregnant. After a check-up, everything was normal. The doctor told me that it might be because the mother was calcium deficient, so the reaction was severe after pregnancy. I was more likely to be calcium deficient if I couldn’t eat, so I started taking calcium supplements two months ago.

I kept supplementing, but I was still more prone to cramps in the later stages of pregnancy. My baby was also severely calcium deficient before he was one year old. After carefully consulting the doctor, I learned that some people with calcium deficiency may not be able to absorb the calcium through medication. In fact, it is better to get more from food, including the baby. Try to get more natural calcium from food for better absorption. I suggest that pregnant mothers cannot rely solely on medication to supplement calcium during pregnancy. You still need to have a balanced diet and get more from food!

How to supplement calcium during pregnancy

Calcium supplementation can be obtained by taking calcium tablets

When choosing calcium tablets, try to choose those with high calcium content; compound calcium preparations containing vitamin D, as vitamin D can promote the body's absorption of calcium.

You can also get plenty of calcium through your diet.

1. Dairy: milk and dairy products;

2. Aquatic products: shellfish, fish, loach, dried shrimp, kelp, seaweed, etc.;

3. Soy products and nuts;

4. Fruits and vegetables: celery, rapeseed, carrot, lemon, loquat, apple, etc.;

5. Meat and eggs: mutton, chicken, eggs, duck eggs, quail eggs, pork floss, etc.

Get more sun

Pregnant mothers should get more sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure can promote the conversion of vitamin D precursors in the skin into vitamin D, promote the fetus's absorption of calcium, and thus make the fetus' bones and teeth stronger and muscles stronger. Pregnant mothers are best to choose to sunbathe in the morning or afternoon, and avoid the midday sun to avoid sunburn.