Ensuring that you eat a balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy, and it should consist of all the required nutrients your body and your baby will need. Today, we take a look at one such nutrient that you cannot afford to neglect, and that is, calcium. It is, after all, one of the key nutrients needed for your bone health and also for the development of your baby’s skeletal structure, among other important functions. Like most other nutrients you take in, it’s important to get the right amount – not too little, and not too much either.
We’ve always known about the importance of calcium for our bone health as well as dental health. When you’re pregnant, that need increases, for now, you’ll not only be eating for your own wellbeing, but for your baby as well!
What are the ramifications of not getting enough calcium during pregnancy?
- Risk of premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Slow growth progression (for the baby)
- High blood pressure
- Muscle and leg cramps
- Poor appetite
- Numbness and/or tingling sensations in the fingers
- Insufficient calcium for the baby’s body
- Risk of bone fractures (in extreme cases)
What may happen if you take too much calcium during pregnancy
- Constipation
- Kidney stones
- The absorption of other minerals, such as iron and zinc may be affected
- Irregular heartbeat
- It’s unlikely to take in too much calcium through the foods you eat. However, it is highly possible to overdose on calcium with supplements.
Foods high in calcium
- Leafy green vegetables
- Diary products
- Almonds
- Soy beans
- Broccoli
- Salmon
- Tofu
- Raisins
- Sesame seeds
