Calcium intake during late pregnancy

In the late pregnancy, it is most necessary to supplement more calcium, mainly because the development of the fetus requires calcium supplementation. Calcium is the main element for bone development and growth. Therefore, mothers are advised to eat more foods containing calcium in the late pregnancy. The calcium intake in the late pregnancy is generally 1200 mg. At this time, it is best to adjust your diet, because calcium deficiency can cause calf cramps in pregnant mothers.

How much calcium should be supplemented during late pregnancy?

From the 7th month of pregnancy, when entering the late pregnancy, the calcification rate of the fetus's bones suddenly accelerates. At this time, the fetus needs a lot of calcium. You need to take in 1200 mg of calcium. The fetus needs 100 to 150 mg of calcium for every kilogram of body weight per month to ensure normal bone calcification. During the entire fetal development process, 80% of the calcium reserves in the fetus are accumulated in the late pregnancy, with the highest level at 38 to 39 weeks of pregnancy. In addition, there are even studies that have found that calcium supplementation in the late pregnancy is more effective.

What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in pregnant women?

Pregnant women with calcium deficiency generally experience the following symptoms:

1. Calf cramps, especially at night, please note: some pregnant women do not have calf cramps even though they are calcium deficient; leg cramps in pregnant women are not necessarily due to calcium deficiency.

2. Loose teeth.

3. Pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome.

4. Joint and pelvic pain. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor to determine whether you have a calcium deficiency, as other problems during pregnancy can also cause these symptoms.

What calcium tablets are good for calcium supplementation in late pregnancy?

When pregnant women choose calcium tablets, in addition to looking at the calcium content calculated as elemental calcium, a very important point is safety. In addition, they must also consider the product's solubility, the body's absorption and utilization rate, as well as the cost-effectiveness and taste. There are three main types of calcium tablets for pregnant women:

Inorganic calcium tablets. Common ones include calcium carbonate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium chloride and calcium oxide. Inorganic calcium tablets are high in calcium, but have low water solubility. After entering the body, they must be dissociated into calcium ions by gastric acid before they can be absorbed and utilized by the human body. Some pregnant women who take this type of calcium tablets may experience gastrointestinal irritation symptoms.

Organic acid calcium tablets. The main ones are calcium gluconate, calcium lactate and calcium citrate. Most organic acid calcium tablets have a low effective calcium content, but they are more water-soluble than inorganic calcium tablets and have relatively less irritation to the gastrointestinal tract of pregnant women.

Organic calcium tablets are the third generation of calcium supplements. Common ones include amino acid chelated calcium, L-calcium threonate, calcium glycinate, L-calcium aspartate, etc. Amino acid chelated calcium tablets have the advantages of high calcium content, are independent of the dissociation effect of gastric acid, and are fully absorbed and utilized. They are currently the most ideal calcium supplement for pregnant women.

When considering the calcium content of calcium tablets, it is worth noting that if you are drinking milk powder for pregnant women at the same time, you must learn to calculate the amount of calcium you consume. You can take calcium tablets alone, or you can drink milk powder or milk at the same time. The key is to control the calcium intake within a reasonable range. It is recommended not to rely too much on exogenous calcium supplements (calcium tablets).

Pregnant women with special conditions such as constipation, diabetes, renal failure, weak constitution, etc., should also pay attention to these precautions when purchasing calcium tablets.