Calcium supplements for pregnant women in the second 3 months of pregnancy

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Hoang Thi Anh Tuyet - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Calcium is an essential and important nutrient in the formation and development of the fetal skeleton, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. So calcium supplements for pregnant women in the second 3 months with how much is enough?

1. Why should calcium supplements for pregnant women in the middle 3 months of pregnancy?

If in the early stages of pregnancy, the mother and fetus need about 800mg of calcium per day, then in the second trimester of pregnancy this need increases to 1000mg of calcium per day. From there, it can be seen that calcium supplementation in the middle 3 months is very important for the health of mother and baby.
During pregnancy, the mother's body has used some compounds in the bones and blood to supply the fetus. However, the level of supply is limited and cannot be met enough, so the mother needs to supplement calcium during pregnancy. If calcium deficiency takes place, it will directly affect the health of the mother as well as affect the development of the child in the future.

2. Calcium supplements for pregnant women in the second 3 months of pregnancy

Calcium has a very important role for the development of the fetus and after birth. The most effective way to supplement calcium is still from natural food sources. The foods that provide calcium and some good nutrients for mother and baby are listed below:
Sea crab: Rich in calcium, protein, low in fat, sea crab meat also contains many elements zinc, vitamins C and A. These substances help strengthen the bone system and increase the resistance for the body of the mother and the fetus. Fish like anchovies or goby also provide a good amount of calcium. Kale: Helps pregnant women add calcium and many other beneficial nutrients such as vitamins A, C, folate, iron and potassium. Jute vegetables: Provides 182mg of calcium/100g, amaranth provides 250-340mg of calcium/100g. Eat bananas: Help pregnant women supplement calcium and enhance the concentration of the brain. Besides, bananas also provide potassium and electrolytes to prevent bone degeneration. Kiwi: A fruit with an extremely rich source of calcium that a pregnant mother cannot ignore. Not only that, the amount of vitamin C and lutein, carotene contained in kiwi fruit also helps pregnant women reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy. Tofu: An excellent source of vegetarian protein as well as calcium for the body. Eating tofu also helps to add good fiber for the digestive system, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, premenopausal disorders,... Seaweed: In a cup of seaweed contains 134mg calcium, a good amount of fiber and iodine to maintain thyroid health. Sesame: In 100g of sesame contains up to 800mg of Calcium. Pregnant women should supplement calcium in the middle 3 months of pregnancy from natural foods, but if supplementing from these food sources is not enough, doctors can consider and prescribe multivitamins for pregnant women.

3. What should be noted when supplementing calcium for pregnant women in the middle 3 months of pregnancy?

Calcium not only exists in foods that you tolerate in your body, but it can also be an ingredient in other supplements or some antacids to treat digestive diseases. Therefore, pregnant women should pay attention to the amount of calcium when tolerated in the body should not exceed 2500 mg per day to avoid overdose causing hypercalcemia. Therefore, pregnant women should have regular antenatal check-ups according to the doctor's appointment and do blood tests to check the body's calcium needs. If calcium supplementation through food is not enough, it is necessary to supplement with multivitamins for pregnant women. However, how much and how to drink must be prescribed by a nutritionist.
In addition to calcium, iron is also an element to supplement during pregnancy, but experts recommend that these two elements should not be used at the same time. If you want to use it, it is best to take a few hours apart, usually calcium is supplemented with meals, iron should be taken between meals.
While supplementing calcium for pregnant women in the second trimester, they should not be combined with foods such as chocolate, tea, cocoa. Because if you combine these foods with calcium, it will reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium.
Calcium supplementation for pregnant women is necessary to ensure the future development of the child as well as the health of the mother. Especially in the third trimester of pregnancy, because this is the time when the fetus develops intellectually as well as the skeleton. Supplementing calcium for mothers helps children develop stronger bones, helps mothers not to suffer from symptoms such as leg numbness, insomnia, back pain, ...
Calcium plays a big role in the development of the fetus. and the health of the mother, but do not arbitrarily supplement indiscriminately. Therefore, doctors recommend, when pregnant, women should go to reputable medical centers to be examined, do tests and listen to advice from qualified doctors.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital currently has a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.