When to drink calcium during pregnancy. Calcium for pregnant women in tablets: which one to choose, a review of drugs and reviews. What is the difference between calcium supplements? Does it exist

14.04.2019

When a woman is carrying a baby, her body plays the role of a supplier of all building materials for the full development of the child's body. Calcium occupies a special place in this process. It not only forms the entire musculoskeletal system of the fetus, but also ensures the smooth functioning of the mother's nervous system. If calcium is sorely lacking, the body begins to take this mineral from bones and teeth and gives it to the baby. Subsequently, the condition of the woman's bone tissue deteriorates, muscle tone is disturbed, and teeth deteriorate. How important is calcium during pregnancy? How to timely recognize a pathological condition? And where to look for the source of this mineral? Let's put everything in its place to get rid of unnecessary worries and prevent possible health problems.

Being "in position", a woman instinctively begins to consume more wholesome food in order to provide the baby with a complex of substances necessary for development. The need for calcium increases by two, or even three times. If the diet is balanced, and the woman has no contraindications to the use of dairy products, then this mineral is quite enough for two. But poor ecology, lack of natural cow's milk in stores and health problems are doing a disservice to pregnant women. And often there is a question about the additional intake of calcium tablets during pregnancy.

Calcium requirements of pregnant women

The daily intake of calcium during pregnancy ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 mg. At the same time, the baby at the beginning of pregnancy takes no more than 10 mg, but starting from the second trimester, he needs at least 300 mg of calcium ions per day.
Calcium during pregnancy, like a conductor, controls the most important organs and systems. It is part of all bones and cartilage of the fetus, forms the skin, eyes and nerve cells. Adequate calcium contributes to the normal mental development of the baby after childbirth.

On a note! The norm of calcium in the blood of a pregnant woman is 2.15-2.5 mmol / l.

But for the mother, he is no less important. Calcium has a good effect on the nervous state of a woman, prevents hypertonicity of the uterus and night cramps in the extremities, and also maintains blood clotting to avoid postpartum bleeding. Calcium is involved in carbohydrate metabolic reactions. It reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol and provides sufficient glucose.
After childbirth, a sufficient amount of calcium can keep the woman's teeth and hair intact. And milk, rich in this element, serves as a prophylaxis of childhood rickets.

Important! An excess of calcium is also dangerous. Only a gynecologist can make a decision on taking calcium supplements.

Symptoms of calcium deficiency in women

Lack of calcium occurs gradually and is not always accompanied by vivid symptoms. The deficiency of this substance can be unambiguously confirmed only by a clinical blood test. But this condition can be suspected by a sharp deterioration in the woman's appearance: the hair becomes dull and "lifeless", the skin peels off and seems to tighten, the nails exfoliate and crack, and at night there are strong cramps in the calf muscles.
More than 20% of women "in an interesting" position become hostages of hypocalcemia. This is facilitated by the deficiency of foods rich in calcium, the abuse of caffeinated drinks (tea, coffee), baked goods, pasta and salty foods. In addition, low activity, passive smoking and intestinal dysbiosis affect the absorption of calcium.

On a note! Severe calcium deficiency is indicated by tooth enamel sensitivity, bleeding gums, bone pain and nervousness.

Why is calcium deficiency dangerous during pregnancy?

Severe calcium deficiency causes a decline in the mother's immune system. A woman has allergic reactions, viral infections and inflammatory processes often develop. There may be sharp jumps in blood pressure, and the condition of the skin also worsens. In general, a woman notes a bad mood and a breakdown.
If there was not enough calcium during the period of gestation, then difficulties also arise in the process of delivery. There is a poor labor activity with a more pronounced pain syndrome, bleeding is possible due to a violation of blood clotting.
For a baby, calcium deficiency means problems with the functionality of the cerebral cortex, poor blood circulation, pathologies of the nervous system and rickets. In the first months of life, the baby will not gain weight well, teeth will begin to erupt much later, the hormonal system will function worse.
It should also be borne in mind that excess calcium is no less dangerous. Excessive intake of this mineral contributes to the compaction of the cranial bones with subsequent birth trauma, calcification of the placenta and impaired blood flow, premature overgrowth of the fontanelle in the infant. The woman, in turn, may suffer from the occurrence of gallstone disease.

On a note! Women who have undergone hypocalcemia during pregnancy are more prone to osteoporosis during menopause and the development of endocrinological diseases after 35 years.

Foods as a source of calcium during pregnancy

Correctly adjusted diet can prevent women from taking oral calcium supplements. This option is desirable, since calcium from the products is completely absorbed and does not leave "surprises" in the form of kidney stones or intoxication from drug overdose.
Where can you find the right amount of calcium to help maintain your health and support your baby? A favorite among calcium-rich foods is hard cheese. The average concentration of this element in cheese is 1000 mg, while a glass of cow's milk supplies only 200-240 mg. There is a little more calcium in goat milk - about 400 mg per glass, but this product is quite rare, and you definitely won't find it in the supermarket. An additional 300 mg of calcium can be obtained from a glass of natural yogurt or a serving of cottage cheese (homemade!).
Fish and other seafood is an alternative source of calcium ions. It is especially useful to feast on sardine (240 mg / 100 g) or cod (20 mg / 100 g). Brown algae (170 mg / 100 g) and shrimp (47 mg / 100 g) are suitable for a variety of dishes.
It is imperative to use fresh herbs, which also contain enough calcium in combination with vegetable mixes. Among vegetables, broccoli, celery, cucumbers and carrots are in the lead in the amount of calcium, and among fruits - figs, currants, strawberries, peaches and oranges. Snack on dried fruits, seeds, and nuts. Instead of a side dish, choose beans and peas, because they contain no less calcium than milk.
Avoid excessive consumption of tea, cocoa, and oatmeal for proper nutrition to work. These foods "flush" calcium from the stomach, preventing it from being fully absorbed.

Advice! Calcium prefers proximity to vitamin D and phosphorus. Walk under the sunny skies more often so that vitamin D is synthesized regularly in your body and eat fish meals two to three times a week to replenish your phosphorus levels.

There is a short list of foods that are best avoided during the calcium deficiency phase. During pregnancy, calcium and products that contain it cannot fully "take root" in the body in combination with such food:

Oxalic acid-rich vegetables: spinach, sorrel, rhubarb, cauliflower, beets.
Porridges containing phytin: oatmeal, semolina.
Products with xanthines: cocoa, black and green tea, chocolate (any).
Smoked, fatty or salty foods.
White bread.
Carbonated sweet waters.

Did you know ...
Additional sources of vitamin D are egg yolks, cod liver and traditional fish oil.

The use of calcium during pregnancy: types and dosage

Not every pregnant woman can drink milk in liters and eat 600-700 cottage cheese daily. Not to mention a history of lactose intolerance or pregnancy in the autumn-winter period, when the sun is sorely lacking to produce vitamin D. There is only one way out - to take calcium tablets. It will not be superfluous to remind you that these are not vitamins and you cannot prescribe this drug yourself. And what calcium to drink during pregnancy and whether it is needed at all, only the gynecologist leading the pregnancy decides.

On a note! Calcium medications are prescribed after 12 weeks of pregnancy and can be taken until the end of the baby's feeding period, with the exception of the third trimester of gestation. If you need calcium supplements during pregnancy and do not know what to take, it is better to consult a competent specialist.

Calcium D3 Nycomed

Calcium D3 during pregnancy is completely harmless and approved for use. It is available as a combination chewable tablet with different flavors (orange, mint, lemon). It contains calcium carbonate, vitamin D3 and cholecalciferol.
The drug completely eliminates the imbalance between calcium and phosphorus, restores the mineralization of tooth enamel and is absorbed by bone tissue by 99%. Nervous excitability and abrupt muscle contractions pass.
As part of additional substances, this preparation contains aspartame. Under the influence of enzymes, it is transformed into phenylalanine, therefore, women with phenylketonuria should not take Nycomed calcium during pregnancy. Lactose is also used as an adjuvant, so this remedy is undesirable for women with hypolactasia.
Calcium dosage during pregnancy: For pregnant women, the optimal amount of calcium is 1500 mg, that is, 1 tablet per day. The duration of therapy is adjusted by the doctor, referring to the test results and the woman's general well-being. The tablet can be sucked or chewed.

Calcium gluconate

The drug is produced in the form of mono-component tablets (500 mg) or 10% solution for injection. The active substance is calcium gluconate, additional components are starch, silicon dioxide.
The tablets should be taken orally before meals in the amount of 3-6 tablets. The duration of treatment is selected individually. Injections are administered intravenously or intramuscularly at 5-10 mg per day. Calcium gluconate during pregnancy in the form of injections is prescribed only in severe cases of hypocalcemia with a sharp deterioration in the woman's condition and only in a hospital.

Advice! Calcium gluconate is best combined with an additional intake of an aqueous solution of vitamin D.

Calcid

One of the approved calcium preparations during pregnancy with positive reviews is the domestic drug Calcid. In addition to calcium and D3, it contains vitamins of group B, C, H, E, PP, folic and pantothenic acid, eggshell. The course of taking at least 1 month, three capsules a day.
This drug increases the level of calcium salts during pregnancy or lactation, also eliminates vitamin deficiency, allergic pathologies, and raises immunity.

Kalcemin

Combined medicinal product with calcium and minerals. The composition includes: calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, zinc, copper, boron, manganese, vitamin D3. Soy polysaccharide, cellulose, silicon are used as a base. The additional mineral complex prevents the demineralization of bone tissue and promotes the complete absorption of calcium salts. The daily rate for women in the "interesting" position is 2 tablets per day.

Interesting! Calcemin cannot be combined with other calcium antagonists or vitamin complexes. Parallel administration can cause intoxication from an overdose of calcium salts.

It is impossible to unequivocally declare what is the best calcium during pregnancy. The purpose of the drug depends on the clinical picture of hypocalcemia and the sensitivity of the female body to the components of the drug. Most doctors in winter prefer combined types of calcium with vitamin D3, but in hot weather it is better to use regular calcium gluconate.

Calcium preparations during pregnancy: indications for use and contraindications

There must be good reasons for getting a prescription for calcium supplements. It is not worth taking this medicine just for prevention, because the consequences may not be very rosy. In order, as they say, not to bite your elbows, take note of when calcium tablets must be taken and what this treatment can leave as a gift.

Indications for use:

Risk of occurrence and treatment of osteoporosis.
Lack of calcium or vitamin D3.
Diseases accompanied by hypocalcemia.
Excessive permeability of cell membranes.
Violation of the conduction of nerve impulses.
Hyperphosphatemia in renal failure.
Rickets.
Spasmophilia.
Osteomalacia.
Lack of calcium in food during pregnancy and lactation.
Postmenopausal period.
Bleeding of various origins.
Allergic conditions.
Intoxication with magnesium salts.
Prolonged bed rest.
Recurrent diarrhea.
Bone fractures.

When calcium intake is contraindicated:

Intolerance to components.
Hypercalcemia.
Tendency to thrombosis.
Atherosclerosis.
Blood clotting disorder.
Severe renal impairment.
Prescribing drugs based on digitalis.
Calcium nephrourolithiasis.
Vitamin D3 hypervitaminosis.

With long-term calcium intake, you need to regularly monitor the level of creatinine and calcium in the blood. Monitoring of kidney and liver function is also shown. In case of violations of clinical parameters, the drug is canceled. If a pregnant woman is taking iron supplements, there should be a three-hour pause between taking calcium and iron tablets.

What complications can calcium tablets cause:

Bradycardia (heart rhythm disturbances).
Hypercalciuria (excessive excretion of calcium salts in the urine).
Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, vomiting, bloating, calcification of calculi.
Swelling of the legs, frequent urination.
Deposition of stones on the teeth.
Cholelithiasis.
Rash, itching, redness on the skin.

Adequate calcium intake during pregnancy is essential for both mom and baby to be healthy. But often doctors are reinsured and I advise you to take pills just for prevention. This is a completely illiterate approach to women in such a delicate state. Therefore, it is up to you to decide whether to drink calcium during pregnancy or simply eat well.

Video "Why do I need calcium during pregnancy"

Lack of calcium during pregnancy occurs in almost every second woman. Starting from 12-13 weeks, the fetus develops rapidly and every day needs more calcium, which naturally affects the mineral metabolism of the pregnant woman.

With a lack of calcium during pregnancy, the general condition of the expectant mother worsens, and an insufficient intake of the mineral in the fetus's body can cause intrauterine growth retardation.

Lack of calcium during pregnancy. How does it manifest?

Calcium is a substance that a pregnant woman needs daily. Despite the fact that bone tissue acts as a calcium depot, it is impossible for an adult to accumulate this mineral "in reserve", so its excess is excreted in the urine. This applies only to the intake of calcium from food, since the additional intake of mineral complexes can still provoke hypercalcemia - an excess of calcium in the body.

Whether a pregnant woman's diet includes foods rich in calcium or not - it doesn't matter, the fetus needs a new portion of this mineral every day. With a lack of calcium during pregnancy, all the strategic reserves of the mineral that are stored in the bones are used. This "leaching" of calcium from the bones negatively affects the woman's health.

IMPORTANT! For the assimilation of calcium, vitamin "D" (calciferol) is needed, which comes from food, or is formed in the body under the influence of sun (ultraviolet) rays. That is why pregnant women are advised to walk in the fresh air as much as possible.

The main manifestations of calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) during the gestational period:

Deterioration of skin, nails and hair
Excessive irritability, insomnia
The appearance of foci of caries, tooth decay
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, increased fragility of bones
Vomiting, nausea in the early stages
Complicated labor (weakness of labor, premature labor)
Development of a serious and dangerous condition - preeclampsia (increased blood pressure, edema, protein in the urine)
Cramps in the calf muscles

Lack of calcium during pregnancy can manifest itself as a desire to eat a piece of chalk, and an increase in the incidence of colds - all individually.

Lack of calcium during pregnancy. What to do?

Calcium norm in women.

Before talking about the presence of hypocalcemia in a pregnant woman, you need to know how much calcium should be ingested daily. So, for an adult, the daily intake of this mineral is 1000 mg, increasing to 1500 mg during pregnancy. Considering the loss of calcium in milk during lactation, the body of a nursing mother needs 2000 mg of the trace element every day.

Pay attention to the diet.

Due to the fact that mineral complexes are far from 100% effective, with a lack of calcium, a pregnant woman is recommended to improve her nutrition. This means that the daily diet of the expectant mother should include foods rich in this mineral.

To cover the daily calcium intake, it is enough to include 1 glass of milk, 50 grams of hard cheese and 200 grams of cottage cheese in your daily diet.

IMPORTANT! Some foods interfere with calcium absorption. In case of a lack of this mineral during pregnancy, you should limit the consumption of vegetables rich in oxalic acid (spinach, sorrel), flour and confectionery products with a high fat content, as well as sweet soda, tea, coffee and chocolate.

Start with prem calcium tablets.

Best absorbed is the calcium that enters the body of a pregnant woman with food. If it is not possible to correct hypocalcemia with the help of nutrition, the doctor prescribes the intake of mineral complexes or calcium preparations. As a rule, such medicines contain magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin "D", which contribute to the normalization of mineral metabolism.

The body cannot absorb more than 500 mg of calcium at a time, therefore, the daily dose of the mineral is divided into several doses.

IMPORTANT! If there is a lack of calcium during pregnancy, taking large doses of the mineral can lead to unpleasant consequences. Hypercalcemia - an excess of calcium in the blood, not only negatively affects the work of the cardiovascular system, but also causes the formation of calcifications in the placenta, which disrupt the uterine-fetal-placental blood flow.

Calcium preparations do not belong to dietary supplements! The appointment of one or another mineral complex is carried out by a doctor. Uncontrolled calcium intake during pregnancy is very dangerous and can affect the course of labor and the further development of the baby.

What foods are good for calcium deficiency during pregnancy?

Lack of calcium during pregnancy does not threaten those expectant mothers whose diet contains the following foods:

low-fat dairy products (milk, hard cheese, yogurt, kefir);
vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, greens, beans, etc.);
nuts (the leader in calcium content is almonds);
chicken eggs;
sea \u200b\u200bfish (salmon, salmon, cod - sources of vitamin "D").

At the first sign of calcium deficiency during pregnancy, you should see your doctor. If you notice that your hair and nails have become brittle, your skin is dry, and cramps in the calf muscles are common, you need to urgently consult your obstetrician-gynecologist about this. Timely correction of mineral metabolism will help keep mother and child healthy.

For a full-fledged bookmark and formation of the organs of the future baby, a sufficient supply of nutrients is necessary. They enter the baby through the placental system from the mother's body. Besides proteins, fats and carbohydrates, minerals, especially calcium, are important building materials. It forms the skeleton of the fetus, is the basis of dental tissue, and participates in physiological cellular processes. The role of this chemical, the required amounts, signs of deficiency, ways to replenish the calcium depot - we will consider such questions in this article.

What is calcium for?

The bulk of calcium in the body is contained in bone and cartilage tissue. The mineral forms inorganic salts that make up the human skeleton. Scientists estimate that up to 98 percent of calcium is in the bones, teeth and ligaments. The remaining two percent are scattered throughout the cells of the body and are involved in many vital processes:

Promote the transmission of impulses between the cells of the nervous system.
Ensure the normal functioning of the glands of internal and external secretion.
Helps in the disposal of fatty acids.
They activate hormonal processes.

Another vital effect of this chemical is to trigger the blood clotting system in response to damage to the integrity of the blood vessels.

In addition, calcium takes part in the contractile activity of muscle tissue. This mineral regulates the tone of smooth muscles, which is part of the female reproductive system.

Lack of calcium leads to a violation of the tone of the uterus and makes natural delivery impossible.

Metabolism

For the renewal of the cells of the skeletal system and the normal functioning of the internal organs, a daily intake of calcium is required. As a rule, dairy products and vegetables are the main sources of it. Passing through the digestive tract, it is absorbed at the level of the initial sections of the small intestine. This process is influenced by vitamin D produced in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Bowel diseases of an inflammatory or dystrophic nature or lack of insolation significantly reduce the absorption process and can lead to the development of calcium deficient states.

Once in the blood, the mineral can bind to plasma proteins or remain in a free state. Its concentration in the bloodstream is maintained at a constant level. In this process, the hormones of the parathyroid glands play an important role. This chemical element is excreted in the urine or through the gastrointestinal tract.

Endocrine disorders can alter the level of calcium in the blood. This situation is most often observed in patients with cell lesions:

pancreas;
adrenal glands;
thyroid gland.

In diseases of these organs, the deterioration of mineral metabolism is most often diagnosed. Also, calcium deficiency is characteristic of patients taking hormonal therapy.

Need

Calcium requirements vary widely throughout life. Its peak occurs during childhood, pregnancy and lactation. The first is associated with the active growth of the child's skeleton, an increase in the volume of bone tissue, the second - with the formation of the musculoskeletal system of the fetus and natural feeding.

The need for calcium during pregnancy increases by the third trimester and can reach 1.5 grams. This is due to the active formation of the skeleton of the unborn child during this period. For the normal development of bone tissue through the placental blood flow, the fetus receives up to 300 mg of this chemical element. In addition to participating in the mineralization of the supporting apparatus, calcium takes part in:

bookmark and growth of teeth;
physiological development of internal organs, nervous system;
differentiation of connective tissue (hair, nails, skin).

In the last three months of pregnancy, a mineral depot is created in the child's body, weighing 30–35 grams.

During lactation, a woman loses calcium. Up to 300 mg of this metal per day is excreted in breast milk.

According to research data, the mineral is washed out of the mother's skeletal system throughout the entire period of breastfeeding and begins to accumulate immediately after the termination of this physiological process.

Deficiency symptoms

Violation of mineral metabolism has an extremely negative effect on the state of the whole organism. During pregnancy, natural conditions are created for the development of deficiency conditions associated with the formation of the fetus. According to the observations of health professionals, about 20 percent of pregnant women experience such problems. They become especially noticeable in the third trimester. During this period, the development of the musculoskeletal system of the future baby takes place, which means that a significant amount of building substances passes from the mother's body to the child.

Calcium loss is accompanied by characteristic clinical manifestations, the combination of which helps the gynecologist to quickly suspect a pathological condition. These include:

Nervous system disorders. A pregnant woman is in constant emotional excitement, complains of insomnia, a decrease in the memorization of information, the appearance of subjective unpleasant sensations in the limbs.
Unusual food preferences, including craving for chalk.
Deterioration of the condition of the skin, their dryness, the appearance of peeling.
Hair loss or changes in hair structure.
Dental pathology associated with the leaching of calcium from the body.
Increased muscle tone, sudden cramps, most often in the muscles of the lower extremities.
The rise in blood pressure is higher than the usual indicators.

The above symptoms indicate the complex nature of disorders in the body with a deficiency of minerals.

Currently, researchers are actively studying the relationship between an insufficient concentration of calcium in the body and the occurrence of such a serious complication as gestosis. The clinical picture of this pathology in many ways resembles a severe violation of mineral metabolism.

It is possible that one of the reasons for the development of gestosis is calcium deficiency.

Long-term consequences

The limited intake of minerals during pregnancy has long-term consequences for both the baby and the woman. In the first case, changes in the skeletal system occur almost immediately, in the first months after birth. In the second, the pathological process has low activity and develops imperceptibly over a long period. Let's consider in more detail what a disturbed mineral metabolism can threaten:

Calcium deficiency increases the likelihood of a child developing a pathology called rickets. This disease develops in infancy and is associated with a violation of bone mineralization.

Calcium loss during gestation can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, a disease in which the structure of the bone tissue changes. Bones become fragile and prone to spontaneous fractures even after minimal trauma. Such changes are more common in older women.

How to replenish?

The role of calcium during pregnancy is enormous, so it is vital to maintain normal levels of this chemical in the body. The main way that allows you to replenish the mineral depot is alimentary. It is with food that we get all the necessary building materials. However, it is not always possible to cover the growing needs with food. In such situations, the gynecologist may prescribe medications. Consider the nutritional features and the use of medications in more detail.

Diet

The chemical composition of food used during pregnancy is very important, since the mother's food provides the unborn child with the necessary substances. Therefore, during this period it is worth revising your diet. If we talk about calcium, then the dietary recommendations for the time of gestation are present:

Dairy. Choose foods that are low in fat. It is in this case that the absorption of calcium in the parts of the digestive tract is maximum. Excess fat interferes with the penetration of the mineral through the intestinal wall and increases transient losses.
Vegetables and fruits. The fruits of plants contain many irreplaceable chemical elements. A high concentration of calcium is found in the inflorescences of broccoli, legumes, nuts. However, you need to be careful when compiling a menu from these products, as they can cause an unpleasant phenomenon - flatulence. Heat treatment of vegetables has practically no effect on the mineral content. It is recommended to cook soups in vegetable broth.

Not all foods have a positive effect on mineral metabolism. According to dietary recommendations during pregnancy, you should refrain from meals from:

sorrel;
spinach;
beets;
oatmeal.

These products interfere with absorption or increase the excretion of alkali metals from the body. It is also necessary to limit the consumption of coffee, fast food, chocolate, salt.

By properly building your diet, you can avoid many problems, including calcium deficiency.

Drugs

What to do if a lack of minerals occurs against the background of a balanced diet? In such cases, pharmaceuticals come to the rescue. Pharmacy shelves are piled high with products designed for pregnant women. Vitamins, dietary supplements, trace elements - what should you take? What calcium will not harm your baby? The gynecologist should answer these questions. Self-medication and self-prescribing any medications can be dangerous to the health and life of the unborn baby.

Mono-component and combined preparations

Calcium during pregnancy can be taken as a monopreparation or multivitamins with several components can be used. The first remedies are more effective in eliminating the symptoms associated with a deficiency of this alkali metal. They contain various calcium salts, the chemical structure of which greatly affects the absorption and assimilation of the mineral. The composition of modern drugs includes active organic salts that show the best results in research.

The absorption of calcium depends not only on the chemical structure of the salt, which is why many pharmaceutical companies began to produce combination preparations. They contain a combination of calcium and vitamin D. Such medicines help to saturate the body with a mineral, as well as to deposit it in the bone tissue. This group of medicines includes:

Calcium-D3 Nycomed;
Calcium Active;
Vitrum Calcium;
Calcitab.

Depending on the dosage, the above medications can be used both for prophylaxis and for therapeutic purposes.

Multivitamins

The dose of calcium salts in multivitamins allows the use of these drugs only to prevent a deficiency state. When they are used, the body receives the necessary minerals and vitamins, supporting the normal functioning of all organs and systems. Such funds are an additional source of useful chemical compounds.

For most women, the combination of multivitamin complexes and balanced nutrition contributes to the normal bearing of the fetus.

When diagnosing deficiency conditions, it is advisable to use monocomponent or combined drugs, the instructions of which indicate the possibility of their use for therapeutic purposes. Among the representatives of multivitamins, Elevit Pronatal, Vitrum Prenatal and others are popular.

Side effects and contraindications

Calcium preparations during pregnancy do not have any negative effect on the fetus. If necessary, they can be used from the first trimester. Lactation is also not included in the list of contraindications, therefore, the development of a deficiency state during this period can also be corrected.

Side effects are rare. Basically, they are associated with the effect on the body of additional and auxiliary substances. Among them:

dyspeptic disorders;
stool disturbance;
skin rashes.

Contraindications for the use of calcium supplements are few. These include endocrine pathology of the parathyroid glands, cancer, severe disorders of the urinary system.

If you drink calcium according to the instructions for use and the recommendations of the gynecologist, then there will be no negative consequences either for the mother or for the unborn baby.

Calcium plays a critical role during pregnancy. That is why its content in the body must be balanced. A sufficient amount of this trace element helps to reduce the likelihood of miscarriage and premature birth, regulates blood pressure and reduces the risk of developing eclampsia, negates blood loss during childbirth, relieves of such unpleasant phenomena as calf muscle cramps, brittle nails, hair loss, tooth sensitivity and much more.

The growth and development of a child requires a huge amount of calcium from the mother, and if it is not enough, then the body begins to draw this trace element from its own resources, namely from bones and teeth (after all, it is there that contains 98% of free calcium). This, in turn, has dire consequences. The expectant mother begins to develop osteoporosis, her teeth crumble, her hair falls out. In our article, we will tell you everything about calcium deficiency during pregnancy, the diagnosis of hypocalcemia, as well as about calcium supplements during pregnancy.

Risk group of people with calcium deficiency during pregnancy

We all (or almost all) consume dairy products and therefore we rightly believe that we are all right with the presence of calcium in the body. In fact, things are a little more complicated. There is a certain range of individuals who are predisposed to calcium deficiency during pregnancy. These include:

women of thin physique with light hair color (according to research, it is they who often always suffer from a lack of calcium during pregnancy);
women who are on a diet for a long time (insufficient intake of foods containing calcium negatively affects its level);
women who consume a lot of flour products, bran, carbonated drinks, coffee, cocoa, as well as fatty and salty foods (all of the above contributes to a reduced absorption of calcium by the body);
women suffering from lactose (milk sugar) intolerance - as a result of the absence of the use of dairy products, and, accordingly, calcium;
women who use some hormonal contraceptives (they reduce the absorption of this trace element into the blood);
women with diseases of the thyroid gland, namely with increased function of the production of thyroid-stimulating hormones;
women with a sedentary lifestyle (physical activity is needed for good absorption of calcium);
women working in offices (this trace element is better absorbed when exposed to ultraviolet radiation);
women suffering from bad habits (smoking and alcohol have a detrimental effect not only on health in general, but also disrupt metabolism).

High body temperature (in case of colds) and strong physical activity also contribute to the "washout" of calcium.

Signs of calcium deficiency and excess during pregnancy

Often, all pregnant women complain of the same symptoms, which give them a lot of inconvenience. But not all women associate this with a lack of calcium in the body. Most often, everything is written off on the position and excuse "All pregnant women are like this." Adequate calcium in the mother is very important, which is why we list below the most common signs of calcium deficiency during pregnancy:

muscle cramps;
bone pain, osteoporosis;
general weakness, rapid fatigue;
bleeding disorder, bleeding gums;
urolithiasis disease;
sensitivity of tooth enamel;
hair loss, brittle nails, teeth;
insomnia, nervousness.

If you have at least two signs of calcium deficiency during pregnancy, then this is already a signal that you need to tell your doctor about your concerns.

It should also be remembered that not only calcium deficiency during pregnancy is dangerous, but also its excess. Excess calcium can lead to premature closure of the fontanelle in the fetus, excessive hardness of the skull bones, which can lead to birth trauma. There is also an assumption that an excess of this microelement can lead to its deposition in the placenta, and this, in turn, will worsen the flow of nutrients to the child.

Calcium supplements during pregnancy

To treat hypocalcemia and osteoporosis, your doctor prescribes calcium intake during pregnancy. There are an incredible variety of preparations on the market containing this trace element, but the most common prescriptions are calcium gluconate and Calcium D3. What is the difference between these drugs?

Calcium gluconate contains only a trace element, in turn Calcium D3 contains a trace element + vitamin D, which actively participates in the absorption of calcium.

A feature of the use of calcium gluconate during pregnancy is its use strictly before a meal or after 1.5-2 hours after taking it with a glass of milk, since this drug acts aggressively on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. The dosage is usually 2-3 tablets per day (one tablet contains 500 mg of calcium).

Calcium D3 during pregnancy can be taken regardless of food intake. It can be chewed or swallowed, and it is completely safe for the gastrointestinal tract, it tastes good. The dosage is also 2-3 tablets per day (one tablet contains 500 mg of calcium).

Calcemin is another popular drug. Its peculiarity lies in the presence in the composition not only of free calcium, but also of substances that contribute to its successful assimilation, namely cholicalciferol (50 IU), copper (0.5 mg), zinc (2 mg), manganese (5 mg) and boron (50 μg). The recommended dose is 2-3 tablets per day (one tablet contains 250 mg of calcium).

You can also take complex vitamins for pregnant women, which include calcium, in order to prevent the development of hypocalcemia. But at the same time, strictly monitor that the daily dose of consumed calcium does not exceed the recommended rate (1200-1500 mg). An example of such drugs can be:

Elevit Pronatal (contains 125 mg of calcium), one capsule per day is prescribed 15 minutes after a meal;
Vitrum Pronatal (contains 200 mg of calcium), appoint one capsule a day after meals;
Multitabs Prenatal (contains 160 mg of calcium), appoint one capsule per day during or after meals;
Materna (contains 250 mg of calcium), appoint one tablet a day after meals.

Calcium preparations during pregnancy should be prescribed only by a doctor! Self-medication can lead to negative consequences not only for you, but also for your child.

Diagnosing calcium deficiency during pregnancy

After reading all of the above, most likely you will ask the question: "If calcium is so important for our body, why is its level not controlled throughout pregnancy?" The answer to this question is very simple. In fact, the diagnosis of hypo- or hypercalcemia boils down to the usual biochemical blood test, which is done to all pregnant women. If the doctor sees deviations from the norm, then he prescribes calcium preparations.

If the patient is worried about bone pain, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound scan (densitometry). Using this method, it is possible to diagnose the early development of osteoporosis, long before irreversible processes in the bone tissue begin.

Sources of Calcium During Pregnancy

The RDA for calcium intake during pregnancy is 1000-1200 mg. For comparison, the average adult needs only 800-1000 mg. Below is a list of foods with the highest calcium concentration.

hard cheese varieties (up to 1000 mg per 100 g of product)
low-fat yogurt (450 mg per 100 g)
nuts (170 mg per 100 g)
cottage cheese (150 mg per 100 g)
milk (120 mg per 100 g)
spinach (106 mg per 100 g)

It turns out that in order to ensure the daily intake of calcium during pregnancy, it is enough to use two sandwiches with cheese, a glass of milk and 100-150 grams of cottage cheese. It is not so difficult.

Providing the body of a woman carrying a child with vitamins and minerals is a prerequisite for the health of both. It is optimal when they enter the body with food, but sometimes additional intake of pharmaceutical preparations containing the missing trace elements is required. Most often, it is calcium for pregnant women (Ca) that is prescribed as a necessary supplement to the diet. The mineral is vital for a developing child, and for a woman, its lack is fraught with health problems.

Effects on pregnancy

Mineral is one of the main building blocks in the process of forming a full-fledged bone tissue of a baby. In addition to the skeleton, teeth, nails and hair, it is also directly involved in the development of the nervous system and muscles, including the heart. Adequate calcium is needed to ensure that the baby's and mother's blood clot normally.

It is more difficult for a woman during pregnancy without the proper level of a trace element to fully provide them with a baby. There is a redistribution of internal reserves of the mineral - the child "takes" his portion to the detriment of the mother. And then there are signs of a lack of calcium in pregnant women - teeth crumble, nails break, hair falls out, skin condition worsens.

An insufficient concentration of an element in a woman's body can lead to serious problems with the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, upset an already unstable psyche.

The first symptoms of calcium deficiency in pregnant women are most often manifested in muscle pain, cramps in the lower extremities, and a feeling of creeping through the body. Toxicosis and gestosis may increase.

In addition, if a pregnant woman does not have enough calcium, then the risks of premature birth or spontaneous miscarriage in early pregnancy increase dramatically. And if the child is nevertheless born safely, then the chance of developing rickets is higher than that of other children.

When to start drinking calcium during pregnancy? The appointment of a pharmaceutical drug is carried out exclusively by a doctor. The specialist can calculate what daily requirement of the mineral formulation is needed in each specific case. The intake of an element with food, the intensity of the manifestation of symptoms of its shortage must be taken into account. Ca is not prescribed earlier than 12-13 weeks of gestation.

Average indicators of the norm

How much calcium does a pregnant woman need on a day? On average, a healthy woman needs up to 1000 mg of the mineral per day, and the daily intake of calcium for pregnant women is higher - its value varies between 1300-1500 mg, but not more than 2000 mg. At the same time, the child's intake of a trace element does not occur evenly. At first, he needs no more than 3 mg per day, and starting from the third trimester, the baby's need for Ca rises to 300 mg per day.

It is difficult to underestimate the importance of a mineral during pregnancy. But "surplus" is also harmful.

Why pregnant women shouldn't have calcium:

everything that is not assimilated by the body and is not excreted in the urine is almost always deposited in stones in the kidneys or pancreas;
there may be malfunctions in the work of the heart, nervous system;
an excess of a trace element will interfere with the normal assimilation of another, no less important, in this case magnesium.

Whether it is necessary to drink calcium during pregnancy can be determined by comparing complaints about well-being with symptoms of a lack of an element. It is also important to calculate the amount of mineral supplied with food.

When to drink calcium during pregnancy:

malnutrition of the mother;
severe bone aches, palpitations, night cramps in the legs;
intense hair loss, problems with teeth during the period of bearing a child;
insufficient stay in the fresh air.

Until when can you drink calcium? To prevent excessive ossification of the baby's head, which, in turn, can complicate childbirth, Ca preparations are not prescribed later than 32-36 weeks, sometimes later than 30. It is worth noting that the mineral has the ability to accumulate in a woman's body, so you should not worry about that during the period of active growth, in the last stages of pregnancy, the fetus will feel its lack.

Mineral rich foods

The average, conditionally healthy woman, with a reasonably organized diet, will not feel a lack of the mineral. In addition, Ca is found in so many foods that even vegans and vegetarians can make up for its deficiency.

The following foods are high in calcium:

all dairy and fermented milk products;
nuts, almost everything, the leader is almonds;
cabbage and its "relatives", especially broccoli;
almost all vegetables and fruits, mostly green;
egg yolks;
legumes;
fish.

Sesame is extremely rich in the microelement - 100 g of seeds contain calcium up to 1300 mg, in 100 g of hard cheese there are about 600-1000 mg of the mineral, and in 100 g of dried fish with bones - almost its daily dose. Eggshells are not losing popularity either. After boiling, it is ground into powder and taken orally in 0.5-1.0 tsp. in a day. Opinions differ about this method of Ca replenishment, but many remember it and use it successfully

To prevent the leaching of the element from the body, one should limit or refuse coffee, cocoa, cigarettes. A well-designed calcium diet (we are talking about the use of foods with a maximum element content) can be an alternative to the mineral in tablets. Do not forget that vitamin D and phosphorus are needed to assimilate Ca, so you cannot do without walking in the fresh air - it is in the sun that calciferol (vitamin D) is produced.

Pharmacy options

Most manufacturers produce products that contain, in addition to Ca, at least vitamin D. There are complexes that also contain boron, manganese, zinc, copper, and others. A calcium-iodine combination is well suited for maintaining thyroid function.

In addition, the mineral itself in such supplements is presented in an easier-to-digest form - carbonates, citrates or chelates, as opposed to gluconate, which is the most "empty" option. A liquid preparation of Ca chloride is produced in ampoules in the form of a 5-10% solution. Such calcium chloride is prescribed in case of an acute deficiency of the element.

If you can't get away from synthetic drugs, and their reception is prescribed by a specialist, then it is better to remember the basic theses on how to drink calcium correctly during pregnancy:

it is optimal to take pills after meals, a course within a month;
you should make sure that there are no contraindications - individual intolerance to the components of the drugs, problems with the cardiovascular system and kidneys, thrombosis and others;
the daily dosage is divided into several doses - the body is not able to assimilate more than 500 mg of the mineral at a time. It is recommended to remember that iron and calcium are not “friendly”. The minimum interval between the use of funds is 3 hours.

How much is calcium for pregnant women? The price of drugs depends not only on the form and in what quantity the mineral is presented, but also on the presence of additional components. For example, Calcemin, which contains Ca carbonate and citrate (250 mg in total) and a number of other substances, costs about 300-500 rubles. Calcium-active, where the element is only 50 mg and a little vitamin D is cheaper, up to 150-200 rubles. But Tiansha's dietary supplements or amino acid calcium laclife will cost 1500-1800 rubles.