Pregnancy is the time when the carrier, that is the mother, will need the maximum amount of nutrients and minerals. Since the normal diet is not able to provide an adequate amount of vitamins and the necessary ingredients, it has to be supplanted. One of the most vital minerals that must be ingested by the expecting mother is Calcium. The mineral plays an important role in the overall development of the fetus as well as the mother herself.
Role of Calcium during pregnancy
The body undergoes a series of metamorphoses during pregnancy. It is done to maintain maternal homeostasis along with facilitating the development of the fetus. These changes have a direct effect on the calcium metabolism in the body. This includes falling albumin levels, expansion of the extracellular fluid volume. An increase in renal function and placental calcium transfer. It is to be understood that calcium homeostasis is a complex exercise. A constant blood level of calcium is maintained through homeostatic control mechanisms. A newborn baby’s skeletal growth contains almost 20 to 30g of Calcium. The maximum percentage of the growth of the skeletal structure happens during mid-pregnancy. Maximum calcium accretion happens during the third trimester.
The increase in the absorption of calcium by the body is directly proportional to the intake of the mineral. It has been researched that with an average intake of 1171 mg during pregnancy, the body absorbed 57% of it during the second trimester and 72% during the third.
The primary role of the mineral during pregnancy is to prevent or reduce adverse gestational outcomes, particularly hypertensive disorders, which are the cause of the maximum number of childbirth deaths. There is also the risk of preterm birth, thereby increasing the risk of neonatal and infant mortality.
Low calcium intake is responsible for pre-eclampsia. Doctors recommend a 400mg of Folic Acid dosage every day before one is pregnant till 12 weeks pregnancy.
Health hazards due to Calcium Deficiency during pregnancy
One of the major health concerns that arise due to lack of adequate amount of calcium in the blood is neural tube defect including spina bifida.
A neural tube defect is a birth defect affecting the development of the brain and spine. Spina Bifida and anencephaly are two of the most common neural tube defects.
In Spina Bifida, the fetal spinal column doesn’t close completely. This leads to nerve damage and affects the mobility of the limbs. The baby might end up with paralysis of the legs.
In anencephaly, the baby ends with premature development of the brain and the skull. In this case, the chances of survival are slim, and most babies are either stillborn or die soon after birth. Chiari Malformation, another form of a neural tube defect, causes the brain tissues to extend towards the spinal canal.
It is also pertinent to remember that neural tube defects are permanent and there is no cure for them. There are treatments to stop further damage, but the already done one is irreversible and will remain lifelong.
Supplements for pregnant women
There are numerous calcium tablets for women available in the market. These tablets aim at providing the pregnant woman with the adequate amount of supplemental calcium, required by the body. Most of these tablets will also include Vitamin D within its premises. Vitamin D plays an important role in pregnancy. Folic Acid is a type of Vitamin D, prescribed by medical practitioners.
One of the causes of concern for pregnant women, especially those from the low-income groups, is the low intake of Calcium. This leads to high blood pressure and excessive protein in the urine. This leads to further complications like fluid in the lungs, kidney failure, and death. Hence, it becomes necessary to take the prescribed amount of calcium tablets for women.
WHO suggests that pregnant women be prescribed 1.5g to 2.0g of elemental Oral Calcium tablets daily. There is also the concern of Iron and Calcium adversely affecting each other. Hence, the two supplements are taken several hours apart. Calcium tablets for women are preferred to be taken at mealtimes for better absorption. Since there is no research to suggest when the calcium starts to absorb during pregnancy, it is suggested that it be taken from the time a pregnancy has been confirmed.
Some of the popular calcium tablets for women are
Calcium for Women 500 mg-100 unit-40 mcg chewable tablet
- HERA calcium core
- Calcimax 500mg
- Calvirich Calcium Tablets
- Shelcal 500mg
- HealthVit FEMYCAL
