If you are trying to conceive, consult your healthcare provider about whether you might need to start taking prenatal vitamins now; some experts recommend taking them
at least three months before conception
. You can also begin taking supplements as soon as you find out you're pregnant in the first trimester.
What is calcium needed for in pregnancy?
When you're pregnant, your developing baby needs calcium to
build strong bones and teeth
. Calcium also helps your baby grow a healthy heart, nerves, and muscles as well as develop a normal heart rhythm and blood-clotting abilities.
At what stage of pregnancy is calcium needed?
Getting enough calcium in your diet is especially important during
the last three months of
your pregnancy, when your baby is growing quickly and has the greatest need for calcium. Calcium can also reduce your risk of hypertension and preeclampsia.
What happens if you don't eat enough calcium while pregnant?
Not getting enough calcium during pregnancy makes you
more susceptible to osteoporosis
, a condition causing brittle bones. Many women recover lost bone mass after pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it's still a good idea to stay ahead of the game and bone up on calcium during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of lack of calcium in pregnancy?
- confusion or memory loss.
- muscle spasms.
- numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face.
- depression.
- hallucinations.
- muscle cramps.
- weak and brittle nails.
- easy fracturing of the bones.
Is too much calcium bad for pregnancy?
Too much calcium may cause kidney stones and prevent your body from absorbing zinc and iron, which you need to stay healthy. While you're pregnant,
don't take more than 2,500 mg of calcium each day
(3,000 mg if you're 18 or younger).
Which multivitamin is best for getting pregnant?
- Fish Oil. …
- Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Vitamins. …
- Life Extension Super Ubiquinol CoQ10. …
- Carlson Wild Caught Elite Omega-3. …
- Trader Joe's Vitamin D. …
- Puritan's Pride Vitamin E with Selenium.
How do I make sure my baby is getting enough calcium?
- Make parfaits with layers of plain yogurt, fruit, and whole-grain cereal.
- Make smoothies with fresh fruit and low-fat milk or calcium-fortified soy or almond milk.
- Add fresh fruit or unsweetened apple butter to cottage cheese or yogurt.
What trimester is calcium most important?
Getting enough calcium in your diet is especially important during
the last three months of
your pregnancy, when your baby is growing quickly and has the greatest need for calcium. Calcium can also reduce your risk of hypertension and preeclampsia.
Can I take iron and calcium tablets together during pregnancy?
Iron and calcium needs increase considerably during pregnancy. To fulfil the increased demand of the mother and baby, doctors recommend
iron and calcium supplements in this
time. However, calcium supplements should not be consumed at the same time as iron supplements.
What are the symptoms of lack of calcium?
- confusion or memory loss.
- muscle spasms.
- numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face.
- depression.
- hallucinations.
- muscle cramps.
- weak and brittle nails.
- easy fracturing of the bones.
How do I know if I am getting enough calcium?
A person with a calcium deficiency may experience:
muscle aches, cramps, and spasms
.
pain in the thighs and arms when walking
or moving. numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, feet, and legs, as well as around the mouth.
Who is most at risk for hypocalcemia?
Who is at risk for hypocalcemia?
People with a vitamin D or magnesium deficiency
are at risk of hypocalcemia. Other risk factors include: a history of gastrointestinal disorders.
Do prenatal vitamins have calcium?
Because prenatal vitamins are
intended to supplement calcium you get in your diet
, they generally contain only 200 to 300 mg of calcium. If you rely on prenatal vitamins to meet your calcium needs, you likely won't get enough, raising your risk of osteoporosis and other health problems.
Does pregnancy take calcium from your teeth?
It is a myth that calcium is lost from the mother's teeth during pregnancy. The calcium your baby
needs is provided by your diet
, not by your teeth. So be sure to get enough calcium in your diet.
Can I continue to take folic acid after 12 weeks?
Once you reach 12 weeks pregnant your baby's spine will have developed, so you can stop taking folic acid if you wish. However
you can continue to take supplements after 12 weeks
if you choose to and it won't harm your baby to do so.
