Calcium is extremely important for the body of a pregnant woman; without it, the child’s body and its skeleton cannot be fully built. If there is not enough calcium, the functions of many organs and systems are disrupted, including the blood coagulation system and endocrine metabolism. If calcium is supplied in limited quantities or is poorly absorbed by the body, this fact leads to the formation of health problems. Therefore, calcium absorption should be strictly monitored by the expectant mother and her doctor from the very beginning of pregnancy.

If you have health problems.
There are also pathologies that can affect the absorption or absorption of calcium during pregnancy. The main pathologies that can interfere with the absorption of calcium include various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract - peptic ulcer of the stomach or intestines, cholelithiasis, chronic gastritis, colitis - inflammatory processes of the stomach and colon, which is accompanied by chronic diarrhea, as well as chronic hepatitis. Endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus or hyperparathyroidism (pathologies of the parathyroid glands responsible for calcium metabolism) affect calcium absorption no less actively. Calcium is affected by damage to the thyroid gland in the form of thyrotoxicosis, as well as pathologies such as bronchial asthma and other pathologies that will require constant or periodic intake of glucocorticoid hormones - hormonal drugs that are analogues of natural hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

According to studies, it has been shown that even with uncomplicated pregnancies, approximately 20% of women, a couple of months before giving birth, may experience manifestations of calcium deficiency in the form of periodic paresthesias - these are the sensations of goosebumps crawling on the skin, as well as the formation of convulsive twitching, strong contraction of muscles and bone pain. In pregnant women with the development of gestosis, severe complications of pregnancy, which are manifested by high blood pressure, the appearance of protein in the urine and edema, such symptoms of calcium deficiency occur much more often - in about half of pregnancies.

The situation will worsen even more if the pregnant woman has poor nutrition, or if the pregnant woman lives in unfavorable climatic conditions - during winter and spring, when lower concentrations of vitamin D and calcium in the blood plasma are observed than in summer and autumn. As a result of calcium deficiency in the body of the expectant mother, there will be caries and the formation of osteoporosis, increased bone fragility, as well as the processes of osteomalacia - deformation and softening of bones. A pronounced calcium deficiency in the body of pregnant women will contribute to the development of toxicosis in the first half of pregnancy or gestosis.

Calcium will eliminate particularly uncomfortable sensations in pregnant women - muscle cramps in the lower extremities, muscle pain, palpitations. If there is a deficiency of calcium in the blood plasma of pregnant women, fetal growth may be delayed. Also, calcium deficiency can lead to the development of rickets in children, since it is in the prenatal period that conditions for full normal growth of bones will be formed.

The most obvious evidence of problems with calcium metabolism is the number of teeth that a pregnant woman has lost during the period of bearing and breastfeeding a child. As we told you earlier, changes in mineral metabolism during pregnancy in the presence of calcium deficiency can affect bone tissue and the structure of the dental tissue of the expectant mother. And the situation will be aggravated if the woman then breastfeeds the child. It has been shown that in such young mothers, during the first six months after childbirth, the amount of essential minerals in the spine decreases quite significantly compared to the first days after childbirth. And, in addition, research has shown that calcium deficiency during pregnancy and birth of a baby, as well as breastfeeding, will increase the likelihood of osteoporosis during menopause, which will sharply increase the likelihood of developing pathological fractures. Also, recent studies have proven the connection between calcium deficiency and the development of high blood pressure in pregnant women. High blood pressure occurs in every tenth pregnant woman and increases the risk of complications during childbirth and maternal and child mortality. It is not yet clear exactly how calcium lowers blood pressure, but there is very clear evidence of the effectiveness of taking calcium supplements in the treatment of hypertension.

How to correct calcium deficiency?
To replenish calcium deficiency, it is necessary to replenish its reserves with nutrition, and if this is not possible, then with medication. But it is worth noting that calcium gluconate, the most beloved by pharmacists and patients, contains the least amount of useful calcium, but the most useful is calcium carbonate. Preparations containing calcium can be divided into three large groups:
-monopreparations only with calcium salts,
- combination preparations with calcium salts and vitamin D or C, with the addition of trace elements of magnesium and zinc,
- multivitamin and mineral preparations with calcium salts.
There are many drugs in these three groups on the market today, and they should be chosen exclusively by the doctor leading your pregnancy. By the way, calcium supplements are given to pregnant women with a prescription free of charge as part of a social program.

According to recent studies, the effectiveness of combinations of calcium with vitamin D for preventive and therapeutic purposes in the presence of calcium-phosphorus deficiency has been shown. Taking calcium supplements with vitamin D will help ensure adequate calcium intake, which helps prevent maternal bone loss. With this treatment, unpleasant symptoms and calcium deficiency completely disappear in pregnant women.

For preventive purposes, such drugs are used in the last two months of pregnancy, which will have a beneficial effect on calcium metabolism in the mother and fetus, and also helps prevent rickets in children. Taking multivitamin preparations with calcium will also be useful, but it contains only 200 mg, which is not much. These drugs are suitable only for prevention, but for the purpose of treatment they are useless.
To avoid calcium problems during pregnancy. Listen carefully to your body and take multivitamin supplements on time so that calcium deficiency bypasses you.

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Content

While carrying a child, a woman's body undergoes a serious restructuring, which involves all biological systems. The skeleton of the expectant mother undergoes a high load throughout pregnancy, ensuring that the correct body position is maintained despite the increased mass. During this period, it is important to control the intake of all necessary macroelements into the body, one of the most important of which is calcium.

Why do pregnant women need calcium?

To ensure normal functioning, a person needs to regularly saturate the body with macroelements, one of which is calcium. Ions of this element are involved in the processes of hemostasis, the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters, regulate muscle contractions and perform a number of other important functions. Calcium makes up up to 2% of body weight and is found in the skeleton and teeth, ensuring their structural strength.

During pregnancy, changes occur in a woman's body that affect all body systems. To build the skeletal system of the fetus, a restructuring of the mineral metabolism of the pregnant woman occurs - the absorption of phosphorus and calcium salts is enhanced, which are transferred to the embryo, determining its growth and development. During this period, women may develop a tendency to hypofunction of the parathyroid glands, which manifests itself in impaired calcium metabolism.

To prevent the consequences that may arise from a deficiency of an important macronutrient during pregnancy, it is necessary to satisfy the body's daily need for the mineral. Lack of the element can lead to the development of hypocalcemia, which is fraught with the following manifestations:

• disruption or arrest of the physical and mental development of the fetus;
• the emergence of a risk of developing rickets (bone formation disorder) in a newborn;
• development of depression in the expectant mother;
• the possibility of spontaneous abortion (the macroelement is responsible for the functioning of muscle organs, including the uterus, its deficiency negatively affects the contractility of muscles, causing their increased tone);
• the occurrence of arterial hypertension due to pregnancy;
• disorders of cholesterol and fat metabolism.

You can independently determine the lack of calcium in the body during pregnancy based on the specific symptoms of hypocalcemia, but the daily intake of this macronutrient should be increased only after consultation with a doctor who is monitoring the pregnant woman. Taking any medication during pregnancy should be done under medical supervision.

In most cases, the prescription of calcium-containing medications or the addition of calcium-rich foods to the diet occurs from the second trimester (no earlier than the 13th week of gestation). The duration of taking vitamin-mineral complexes or following a special diet should be carried out without interruption for no more than 1 month, and after the 35th week of pregnancy, the use of drugs that fill the deficiency should be stopped to prevent premature ossification of the fetal head.

Daily norm

The human body’s need for minerals depends on age, but it should be taken into account that the consumption of certain foods interferes with the absorption of the macronutrient. For adults (from 19 to 50 years old), the daily amount of mineral consumed should be at least 1000 ml, but not more than 2500 ml. Calcium during pregnancy, due to changes occurring in a woman’s body, is partially spent on the formation of fetal systems, so the daily need for this element increases to 1500 ml.

The rapid consumption of macronutrients in pregnant women leads to a decrease in the woman’s bone mass; the recovery period begins after the resumption of the menstrual cycle. In addition, the advisability of additional intake of an essential mineral is due to its versatility as a secondary intracellular messenger, with the help of which the nervous, cardiovascular and excretory systems are regulated.

Symptoms of deficiency

About 99% of calcium in the human body is found in the skeleton and teeth, the remaining 1% of the mineral element in an ionized or non-ionized state is an integral part of biological media (blood, urine, feces). If the supply of a macronutrient decreases or its absorption deteriorates, the mineral begins to be washed out of the bones to replenish its deficiency in the blood.

At the initial stages of calcium deficiency in a pregnant woman, the mobilization of the mineral from the skeleton is safe, but with a prolonged absence of replenishment of the loss, signs of hypocalcemia begin to appear. You can independently determine a mineral deficiency during pregnancy by the following characteristic symptoms:

• the condition of the nails deteriorates, they begin to peel and become brittle;
• hair loses its healthy shine, becomes dry, prone to rapid hair loss and split ends;
• the skin loses its elasticity, peels, a feeling of severe dryness and tightness of the skin appears;
• the ability to remember information decreases;
• rapid tooth decay occurs, caries worsens or forms;
• inflammation and allergies often develop;
• a disorder of the nervous system, which first manifests itself as a deterioration in mood, rapid fatigue, then a feeling of numbness in the fingertips and the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle is added;
• in later stages of pregnancy, symptoms may be supplemented by muscle pain, spasms, cramps of the lower extremities (especially the calf muscles);
• with a prolonged lack of the mineral, heart failure and gestosis develop (late toxicosis developing against the background of disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system).

If you ignore the symptoms of hypocalcemia, there is a risk of miscarriage and the risk of developing congenital anomalies in the fetus. With a chronic lack of an important macronutrient, the hemostatic properties of the blood change, its coagulability decreases, which can have an adverse effect during the birth process. The deterioration of immune defense that occurs with hypocalcemia manifests itself in the susceptibility of women during pregnancy to frequent infectious diseases and the development of inflammatory processes.

Diagnosis of hypocalcemia

Self-identified symptoms of calcium deficiency during pregnancy must be confirmed by a qualified specialist. If hypocalcemia is suspected, the doctor prescribes diagnostic measures to determine the content of the macroelement in the biological media of the body. The research methods used in practice are:

• general urine analysis;
• blood analysis;
• analysis of the mineral composition of hair;
• bone densitometry (determination of bone mineral density).

Diagnosis of hypocalcemia is associated with a number of difficulties, which are due to the characteristics of absorption and distribution of the macroelement in the body. In a non-ionized state, calcium binds to blood proteins, and low plasma total mineral levels may indicate a decrease in serum proteins rather than a macronutrient deficiency.

Ionized calcium (an active cation circulating in the blood plasma) is of greater importance for the regulation of intracellular processes, therefore diagnostic measures are often aimed at determining the amount of this element. Low levels of ionized cation also cannot reliably indicate hypocalcemia due to the high influence of vitamin D levels on this criterion.

If there is no convincing evidence indicating a mineral deficiency, additional examinations are carried out. During pregnancy, hair mineral analysis is used due to its safety. Bone densitometry in pregnant women is carried out only if there are serious indications, since this method involves the impact of radiation (X-ray, magnetic, ultrasound) on the patient’s body, which can negatively affect the development of the fetus.

How to take calcium during pregnancy

If, based on diagnostic results, the assumption is confirmed that it is advisable to introduce additional calcium for pregnant women, the dosage of this element and the method of its use should be accurately calculated. Before you start saturating the body with a mineral component, you should consult a doctor, who bases his recommendations on the duration of pregnancy, the individual characteristics of the patient, the degree of hypocalcemia and the amount of macronutrient consumed with food.

The main sources of the mineral should be food; calcium in tablets for pregnant women is indicated in the absence of the opportunity to eat properly or in cases of disturbances in the absorption of the macronutrient. If there are no obvious signs of mineral deficiency, it is recommended to take a course of calcium-containing medications to create reserves that will be useful in the last trimester of pregnancy. Due to the limited ability to absorb the mineral (500 mg is absorbed at one time), the prescribed daily dose should be divided into several doses.

If there are serious problems with the absorption or saturation of the body with minerals during pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe medications to help fill the deficiency. To prevent the formation of stones in the urinary tract in patients prone to this, it is necessary to increase fluid intake while taking calcium-containing medications. The main ways to provide a pregnant woman’s body with an important macronutrient are:

• products;
• calcium-containing drugs (single drugs or combination drugs);
• vitamin and mineral complexes;
• biologically active food additives.

Calcium in foods

To ensure that the body's daily needs for macroelements are met, provided that all systems and the gastrointestinal tract are functioning normally, we can limit ourselves to introducing into the daily diet foods containing large amounts of the required element. Foods rich in calcium during pregnancy should be selected carefully, taking into account the individual reaction of the body and the compatibility of certain nutrients. The main sources of the mineral are:

Products
Dairy
Milk (fat content 1%)
Kefir (fat content 2.5%)
Hard cheeses
Natural yogurt
Green leafy vegetables
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Turnip (turnip)
Parsley
Wheat
Fruits, nuts
Orange
sunflower seed
Pistachios
Fish, meat
Sardine (with bones)
Boiled fish
Beef
Egg
Soybean (grain)

What interferes and helps the absorption of calcium from foods

The main mechanism of absorption of the mineral from consumed foods is the transcellular method (through intestinal cells). When the macronutrient content in the diet is low or normal, its absorption is mediated by the action of calcitrol (the active form of vitamin D). If the amount of mineral supplied with food is increased, the paracellular (transcellular) absorption mechanism is activated, in which milk sugar (lactose) plays an important role.

Some products affect the process of assimilation of mineral macroelements, having both a stimulating effect and preventing normal absorption. Animal fats, such as beef and cow's milk fat, due to the palmitic and stearic fatty acids they contain, bind the mineral, forming insoluble soaps. These chemical compounds are excreted unchanged from the body, washing away beneficial minerals and fats, reducing bone mineralization.

Phytic and oxalic acids negatively affect the absorption of the macronutrient, which, when reacting with the mineral, form insoluble salts that slow down the absorption of the substance. In case of hypocalcemia, it is recommended to exclude products containing these acids (sorrel, celery, currants, gooseberries, spinach) from the diet or reduce their consumption to a minimum. Some cereal porridges (rice, oatmeal), tonic drinks (coffee, cocoa, carbonated drinks, tea), salt also prevent the entry of active cations into the blood serum.

To ensure the coordinated operation of all mechanisms of mineral absorption, it is necessary to ensure a combination of many conditions. In order for the heart to perform its functions normally, the ratio of calcium ions to potassium ions (1 to 2) must be maintained in the blood plasma, while 1.5 times more phosphorus must be supplied from food, and 2 times less magnesium. In addition, many vitamins, elements, and acids are needed, which can be achieved by following the following rules:

• regular walks in the fresh air (vitamin D saturation);
• intake of vitamins A, C, E and all elements of group B;
• maintaining normal acidity of gastric juice (by consuming foods containing plant acids, sour juices);
• eating easily digestible carbohydrates and carotene.

Calcium supplements for pregnant women

All medications prescribed for hypocalcemia contain chemical compounds of the main element with other substances that ensure the absorption of the mineral in the body. The following are used as additional additives:

• gluconic acid (gluconate);
• lactic acid (lactate);
• citric acid (citrate);
• carbonic acid (carbonate);
• hydrochloric acid (chloride).

In most cases, calcium for pregnant women is prescribed in the form of products based on carbonic acid (carbonates), one of which is Calcium Sandoz Forte. The elemental mineral content in carbonates is 40%, which explains its widespread use for the prevention and treatment of hypocalcemia. The occurrence of side effects after taking drugs of this group is rare, which is an important factor for pregnant women:

• name: Calcium Sandoz Forte;
• characteristics: a calcium-containing drug that replenishes the need for a macroelement, is available in the form of effervescent water-soluble tablets containing two salts of the mineral element (lactogluconate and carbonate), which is equivalent to 500 mg of ionized mineral, side effects such as allergies, constipation, nausea, vomiting are rare;
• indications and contraindications: use is indicated for metabolic disorders in bone tissue, treatment of osteoporosis, for the prevention of hypocalcemia in pregnant women and during breastfeeding, contraindications include chronic insufficient kidney function, phenylketonuria, nephrourolithiasis, children under 3 years of age;
• method of administration: tablets dissolved in a glass of water are taken orally, regardless of the time of day or meal, the dosage is prescribed by the doctor based on the level of macronutrient deficiency, the daily dose should not exceed 3 tablets;
• advantages: pleasant taste, good tolerance;
• disadvantages: high cost.

One of the most famous calcium-containing monopreparations is calcium gluconate. Due to the minimal number of components included in the product, the risk of negative effects on the body is minimized. These tablets have been used in medical practice for a long period, so their effect has been well studied, and their safety has been confirmed by many years of observations:

• name: Calcium gluconate;
• characteristics: calcium salt of gluconic acid, being the main active ingredient, has a rapid effect of saturating the body with the necessary element, reaching a maximum concentration in plasma 2-2.5 hours after administration; rare side effects of the tablets include nausea, thirst, allergic reactions;
• indications and contraindications: use is indicated during times of increased body need for essential macroelements (child growth period, pregnancy, breastfeeding), in case of metabolic disorders associated with diseases such as hypoparathyroidism, hyperphosphatemia, spasmophilia, contraindications include hypercalciuria, severe renal failure, sarcoidosis, hemostasis disorders;
• method of administration: tablets are taken orally whole or in crushed form 2-3 times a day, it is recommended to use the drug before meals, a single dosage ranges from 2 to 6 tablets;
• advantages: safety, affordable price;
• disadvantages: inconvenient release form, requires taking a large number of tablets daily (up to 18 pcs.)

Vitamins

In addition to the main mineral, multicomponent calcium-containing complexes may include vitamins of different groups, minerals (iron, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, zinc, etc.) and acids that help improve the absorption of micro- and macroelements. The most popular complex drugs prescribed for hypocalcemia are:

• Calcium-D3 Nycomed and Calcium-D3 Nycomed Forte (additional component cholecalciferol, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids);
• Calcemin (contains cholecalciferol, zinc, copper, manganese, boron);
• Calcemin Advance (complex includes vitamin D3, magnesium and copper oxide, manganese, boron);
• Calcium Active (contains complexone, amaranth leaf extract, vitamin D3, phosphorus);
• Complivit (a complex containing 11 vitamins, 8 minerals, and lipoic acid);
• Elevit Pronatal (8 vitamins, 9 minerals, folic acid).

The regulator of phosphorus-calcium metabolism of the German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG is represented by the drug Kalcemin. According to reviews, this remedy is highly effective in the treatment of hypocalcemia of various origins. The medicine is available in several forms (Advance, Active, Silver, Citra), the action of which is aimed at solving specific problems that provoke calcium metabolism disorders:

• name: Kalcemin;
• characteristics: a combined calcium-containing product, in addition to the main macroelement, the composition includes vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), zinc, copper, manganese boron, vitamin D3 helps improve mineral absorption, assimilation of phosphates and magnesium, other elements catalyze the metabolism of bone and cartilage tissue, side effects are often dyspeptic disorders, gastrointestinal pain, allergic rashes are recorded;
• indications and contraindications: indications for taking Calcemin are calcium metabolism disorders due to changes in hormonal levels in pregnant women, peri- and postmenopausal periods, contraindications are hypervitaminosis D, allergic reaction, hypercalciuria, renal dysfunction;
• method of administration: tablets are taken orally along with meals, the recommended dosage for pregnant women is 2-3 tablets per day, divided into 2-3 doses, the duration of the course of treatment or prevention is determined according to the doctor’s indications;
• advantages: complex action, multicomponent composition;
• Disadvantages: Careful dosage control is required due to the risk of dangerous side effects if the dose is exceeded.

During pregnancy, the drug based on the natural component Calcid should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor and in the dosage recommended by him. The effect of the active substance of the calcium-containing product is enhanced by a complex of vitamins and mineral components. According to the information stated by the manufacturer of the dietary supplement in the instructions for use, Calcide, in addition to replenishing mineral deficiencies, helps normalize blood pressure, reduce the load on the heart and strengthen the immune system:

• name: Kaltsid;
• characteristics: complex dietary supplement based on natural eggshells, contains vitamins A, B, C, PP, E, D, has a positive effect on the processes of mineralization of bone tissue and the hematopoietic system, negative conditions that arise while taking Calcid include indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, allergies;
• indications and contraindications: the use of the supplement is indicated for poor nutrition to compensate for the lack of vitamins and minerals, during periods during which there is a deficiency of minerals (intense growth, pregnancy, lactation, post-traumatic conditions), a contraindication for use is intolerance to the constituent components;
• Method of administration: tablets are taken orally before or during meals, 3 tablets. per day, course duration is 20-30 days;
• advantages: multivitamin composition;
• disadvantages: insufficient knowledge of the mechanism of action.

Which calcium tablets to choose

The issue of hypocalcemia is very acute, and a large number of manufacturers of pharmaceutical products are addressing this problem, which explains the variety of calcium-containing products offered on the market. When choosing a tablet form of drugs to compensate for macronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy, you should give preference to the following types:

• monopreparations containing from 200 to 500 mg of active substance in 1 tablet (Calcium Sandoz, Vitacalcin, etc.);
• combined products, one tablet of which contains at least 400 mg of active substance (Calcium-D3 Nycomed, Calcium Active, etc.).

Calcium Active during pregnancy is prescribed not only to saturate the expectant mother’s body with the necessary macronutrients, but also to improve its absorption. The dietary supplements included in this drug (complex, vitamin D3) promote the absorption of nutrients and accelerate calcium metabolism. Products containing carbonate salts may cause side effects (flatulence, bloating, diarrhea), unlike drugs containing citrates.

Precautionary measures

Calcium-containing drugs, like other medications, have a number of restrictions on their use. Comprehensive information about contraindications and possible side effects is contained in the instructions for the tablets. In addition to warnings regarding the negative consequences for the body in case of taking a contraindicated drug, the result of drug interactions with other drugs should be taken into account if there is a need for their use.

Taking tablets or other dosage forms is permissible only if there are medical indications, and the dosage must be agreed with a doctor. Calcium-containing drugs are contraindicated for use, mainly in the following cases:

• hypersensitivity to the constituent components;
• milk-alkali syndrome (Burnet's disease, which occurs when the regulation of the absorption of macroelements is disturbed);
• the presence of malignant tumors and neoplasms of unknown etiology;
• digestive disorders, chronic diarrhea or constipation;
• vascular diseases (atherosclerosis);
• dysfunctional kidney disorders.

Long-term use of tablets or powders containing macroelements during pregnancy is not recommended; you should limit yourself to 1 month of continuous use of medications. An excess of a mineral substance (hypercalcemia), as well as its deficiency, entail negative consequences for the body of a pregnant woman and the fetus, therefore, to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for hypocalcemia, the content of the macroelement in the blood should be regularly diagnosed.

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What do we know about calcium? This element is number 20 in the periodic table of Mendeleev. It is known that calcium is necessary for the normal development and functioning of bones and joints, muscles and blood cells. A lack of calcium during pregnancy can lead to dangerous complications and even cause fetal malformations.

Biological role

The importance of calcium in the human body is difficult to overestimate. This element accounts for about 2% of the total body weight. It is known that calcium takes part in the following important processes:

• It is the main building material for bones and teeth.
• It is part of the blood and takes part in its coagulation.
• Found in cellular and extracellular fluid.
• Affects the permeability of vascular walls, prevents the entry of foreign agents (viruses, bacteria).
• Participates in the synthesis of certain proteins, hormones and enzymes (including insulin).
• Takes part in allergic and anti-inflammatory reactions.
• Affects protein synthesis in muscle tissue.
• Provides transmission of nerve impulses.
• Affects water-salt balance, acid-base balance and maintaining homeostasis.
• Creates conditions for stable heart function.

Considering that calcium affects many key processes in the body, it is not difficult to assume that its lack or excess will definitely affect the health of the pregnant woman and the condition of the fetus.

Pathway of calcium in the body

Calcium enters the human body through food. In the intestines, the element is absorbed into the blood. The process occurs both in the duodenum and in the rest of the small intestine. Calcium accumulates in bone and cartilage tissue (98%). Under the influence of parathyroid hormone, cells are destroyed and calcium is released into the blood. A person needs to regularly replenish the reserves of this element, otherwise hypocalcemia will inevitably occur.

The normal level of calcium in the blood is 2.5 mmol/l. Vitamin D and lactose promote the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Animal fats (including cow's milk fat) and palm oil interfere with absorption.

The role of calcium during pregnancy

The importance of calcium during gestation is explained by its biological role in the body:

• Affects the formation of cartilage and bone tissue of the fetus.
• Ensures proper formation of teeth.
• Affects the development of the nervous system.
• Regulates cardiac activity.
• Ensures normal formation of sensory organs, brain, skin, hair and nails.

Lack of calcium is especially critical in the first trimester, when organs are formed and all systems of the fetal body are being formed. A deficiency of this element can lead to severe malformations and miscarriage. Insufficient calcium intake in the second half of pregnancy increases the risk of developing rickets in the newborn.

The calcium requirement during pregnancy is 1500 mg per day. This dosage does not change throughout the entire period of gestation. In anticipation of the baby, there is an increased excretion of calcium in the urine. At the same time, active absorption of the macronutrient from incoming food occurs. All these processes are hormonally determined and aimed at maintaining the homeostasis of mineral elements.

About 300 mg of calcium per day penetrates the placenta. If the baby does not have enough calcium, he will take it from the woman’s reserves, thereby compromising her health. Thus, a lack of calcium will first of all affect the condition of the expectant mother and only then – on the development of the fetus (if there is a pronounced deficiency of this element).

Calcium rich foods

With a balanced diet, a pregnant woman receives 80% calcium from fermented milk products. In this case, priority should be given to low-fat products - the macronutrient is absorbed better in them. The remaining 20% ​​comes from grains, legumes, some fruits and vegetables, greens and nuts.

Calcium rich foods:

• milk;
• cottage cheese;
• hard cheese;
• sour cream;
• kefir;
• yogurt;
• vegetables: cabbage, celery, lettuce, onion;
• legumes (beans);
• fruits: oranges, apples;
• dried fruits;
• nuts: almonds, etc.;
• pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds;
• bread;
• buckwheat;
• beef;
• dried and boiled fish.

A healthy pregnant woman (in the absence of severe pathology of the kidneys and other organs) is recommended to eat calcium-rich foods daily. This is quite enough to provide yourself and your baby with valuable macronutrients. If you have certain health problems, calcium supplements are prescribed.

Sample list of products for the day:

• medium fat cottage cheese – 200 g;
• kefir 1% or 1.5% – 200 ml;
• milk – 200 ml (including milk that was used to prepare porridge or other dishes);
• cheese – 50 g.

This set of products will provide 1200-1300 mg of calcium, that is, almost the daily requirement for an expectant mother. A woman can get the remaining calcium from other foods.

Hypocalcemia during pregnancy

A lack of calcium in a woman is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• cramps of the calf muscles;
• paresthesia: crawling sensation, numbness of the limbs, etc.;
• muscle and bone pain;
• cardiopalmus;
• increased blood pressure;
• insomnia;
• irritability, anxiety;
• brittle nails and hair.

It is the lack of calcium that forces a woman to eat chalk during pregnancy, and also leads to other food perversions. Insufficient supply of this element also leads to dental pathology (caries, pulpitis) during gestation. The saying “one child, one tooth” is not accidental and is associated with the rapid destruction of tooth enamel during pregnancy due to a lack of calcium.

Hypocalcemia also threatens the health of the fetus, slowing its growth. Severe calcium deficiency leads to impaired bone formation and the appearance of developmental defects.

Recently, many studies have been conducted on the effect of hypocalcemia on the course of pregnancy. There is evidence that a lack of this element increases the risk of developing toxicosis in the early stages and gestosis in the later stages. A connection between arterial hypertension and calcium deficiency has also been noted. The exact mechanisms of this phenomenon have not yet been studied, but research in this direction is being actively conducted.

Hypercalcemia during pregnancy

Excess calcium can occur due to irrational use of vitamin preparations and dietary supplements. A similar condition occurs with excessive milk consumption (more than 4 liters per day for several years).

Signs of hypercalcemia:

• nausea;
• vomit;
• decreased appetite;
• strong thirst;
• diarrhea;
• increased urination;
• convulsions.

Excess calcium leads to its deposition in bones and muscles, which also disrupts the normal development of the fetus. Intravenous calcium in high doses can lead to coma.

Calcium preparations

There are several types of medications and dietary supplements:

• products containing only calcium;
• combination preparations containing calcium and vitamin D;
• multivitamins containing calcium salts.

During pregnancy, all expectant mothers are prescribed multivitamin complexes. All known products for pregnant women contain calcium:

• "Elevit pronatal" - 125 mg;
• "Vitrum prenatal forte" - 200 mg;
• "Alphabet Mom" ​​- 250 mg;
• "Materna" - 250 mg;
• "Pregnavit" - 250 mg;
• “Complivit mama” - 200 mg;
• "Multitabs" - 250 mg.

Taking multivitamins is recommended from 12 weeks. In the early stages, vitamins are prescribed to women at risk (low body weight, poor nutrition, unfavorable living and social conditions, etc.). The dosage of calcium in multivitamins is such that it cannot lead to an overdose of this element. Taking vitamins and a balanced diet together ensure sufficient intake of calcium and other useful substances into the body.

Among all calcium preparations, the following products deserve special attention:

• “Calcium D3 Nycomed” (calcium + vitamin D);
• “Calcium D3 Nycomed forte” (increased dose of vitamin D);
• "Calcemin Advance" (calcium, vitamin D3 and other elements);
• "Calcium Sandoz Forte";
• "Calcium active".

The use of these medications must be agreed with a doctor. The optimal dosage is 1 tablet 2 times a day. If necessary, the doctor may increase or decrease the dose of the drug. Women at risk for developing hypocalcemia are recommended to take calcium supplements throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Important aspects

There are some important points to consider when taking calcium supplements:

1. It is not recommended to take multivitamins and calcium supplements at the same time.
2. You cannot change the dosage of the drug yourself. A change in treatment regimen must be agreed with your doctor.
3. During therapy, side effects are often observed: constipation, flatulence, bloating. If the discomfort does not subside and significantly interferes with normal life, the drug should be discontinued.
4. Heart rhythm disturbances, palpitations, headaches, severe weakness are reasons to discontinue the drug and visit a doctor.
5. In case of kidney pathology, regular monitoring of calcium in the urine (assessment of the rate of its excretion) is necessary.
6. In case of urolithiasis, calcium supplements should be taken while drinking a large amount of fluid (at least 1.5 liters per day).
7. Calcium supplements should not be taken together with other medications (you must wait at least 2 hours).
8. It is not recommended to drink milk within 2 hours after taking the drug - this slows down the absorption of calcium.

Pregnant women should also listen to their body's signals and eat the food that their body requires. Often the desire to taste milk or cheese is associated with calcium deficiency. A balanced diet is one of the key points in the prevention of hypocalcemia. If you have any doubts, it would be a good idea to consult your doctor.

Pregnancy is a period when a woman should pay special attention to her health, because the development of her baby depends on it. One of the most important elements a woman needs during this period is calcium. The need for it during pregnancy increases significantly.

Proper nutrition and calcium-containing supplements are the basis for the full development of the baby. But only the doctor decides how and when to take calcium during pregnancy. Otherwise, the woman may harm herself and the child.

Calcium is an element due to which bones and cartilage are formed. During pregnancy, it is doubly important, because the expectant mother and baby need it. When a woman's body does not receive enough calcium, the fetus takes it from the mother's skeleton, which sometimes leads to a disease called osteoporosis.

Baby needs calcium to form:

• skeleton;
• complete nervous system;
• muscles;
• hearts;
• nail plates;
• hair;
• teeth;
• ears and eyes;
• internal organs.

Calcium for pregnant women plays an equally important role:

• makes a woman mentally stronger, she is less exposed to stressful situations;
• protects teeth, nails, hair;
• helps prevent allergies;
• performs a protective function during childbirth (prevents blood loss, prevents seizures from developing).

If the expectant mother does not pay attention to nutrition and refuses to take vitamins containing calcium, this can lead to dangerous complications during childbirth. The cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys suffer.

Between the ages of 19 and 50, the female body needs 1000 mg of calcium per day. But during the period of bearing a child, this figure increases by one and a half times - up to 1500 mg. The reason is that approximately 300 mg of calcium penetrates the placental barrier per day.

Frequent urination during pregnancy is another reason for the loss of this important element, which is released along with urine.

Symptoms and consequences of calcium deficiency in pregnant women

According to medical statistics, 17% of all women do not have enough calcium during pregnancy.

This manifests itself in various conditions:

• a woman constantly feels “goosebumps” on her body (paresthesia);
• convulsions, more pronounced at night;
• aching bones.

If calcium deficiency is added to, all symptoms will intensify significantly.

If the expectant mother does not tell the gynecologist about her condition or does not adhere to his recommendations (nutrition, medication), this may soon result in such consequences as:

• development of osteoporosis and osteomalacia;
• , gestosis;
• intense hair loss;
• development of caries, tooth loss;
• deterioration of the skin condition (becomes dry, flaky).

Statistics show that every fifth pregnant woman experiences most of the above symptoms in later pregnancy. Children born to these women are more often diagnosed with rickets.

Rickets is a disease characterized by impaired growth and development of bones, which sometimes leads to pathologies of the entire skeleton as a whole.

Who is more likely to have calcium deficiency?

Calcium levels during pregnancy primarily depend on the diet of the expectant mother. Women who do not watch what they eat, in what quantity, themselves provoke a deficiency of this important element in their body.

After all, some foods interfere with the normal absorption of calcium, and even promote its excretion. This includes coffee, carbonated drinks, pasta, baked goods, all kinds of confectionery, fatty, hot, spicy dishes, spinach.

Research shows that calcium deficiency is most often diagnosed in blondes and women who smoke. Another reason may be a sedentary lifestyle, and vice versa – excessive physical activity.

What medications can pregnant women take?

If a woman who notices suspicious symptoms in herself immediately tells her doctor about them, he will definitely prescribe medications with calcium (if the reason is a lack of this element).

Almost all pharmaceutical companies produce calcium in tablets for pregnant women, both in pure form and as part of vitamin complexes. Most often, this element is combined with vitamin D, as it is needed for the absorption of calcium. Without vitamin D, calcium will not be fully absorbed.

Ecology, constant stressful situations and “quick” nutrition are the reasons why a pregnant woman cannot provide herself with the necessary amount of vitamins with the help of food.

She requires regular medication to compensate for the lack of calcium and other microelements. A gynecologist should explain how to take calcium during pregnancy.

• monopreparations (they contain only calcium salts);
• combination products containing not only calcium and vitamin D, but several other useful elements;
• multivitamin preparations.

To prevent the development of a disease such as osteoporosis, a pregnant woman is prescribed single drugs or combination drugs. Most often, doctors recommend taking Calcium D3 NYCOMED.

1 tablet of this drug contains 500 mg of calcium (one third of the required amount per day). Directions for use: 1 tablet 2 times a day. This product does not cause adverse reactions. It is sold in any pharmacy at an affordable price and is ideal for expectant mothers.

Other popular calcium preparations in tablets for pregnant women are Calcium-Sandoz forte and Calcium Active.

The dosage and duration of the course for each drug is selected individually and only by the doctor. It is impossible for a woman to independently decide to start taking any medications during pregnancy. This can harm both her and the unborn baby.

Some women are kept under strict monitoring and have to have regular urine samples to measure the amount of calcium being washed out of the body. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor decides whether to increase or decrease the dosage of the drug.

Women who have a tendency to form stones in the urinary system need to drink plenty of fluids while taking calcium-containing medications.

What should you eat to maintain your calcium levels?

A complete and proper diet is an addition to vitamins with calcium for pregnant women, which you cannot do without.

A woman should regularly consume dairy and fermented milk products, nuts, and green vegetables (all varieties of cabbage, broccoli, green onions). The main thing is that everything is prepared correctly, without harmful additives.

Drinking a glass of kefir, yogurt or milk every day should become a habit for the expectant mother. Hard cheese or fresh cottage cheese in a volume of 100–150 grams per day will be good sources of calcium. It is better to choose rye bread. You need to increase the amount of fruit in your diet.

When to drink calcium during pregnancy, the doctor decides. Calcium-containing drugs taken uncontrolled can cause irreparable harm. We must not forget about nutrition. It should be balanced, with an emphasis on dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Useful video about which foods contain calcium

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