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Do You Need a Calcium Supplement During Pregnancy?
When you’re pregnant, your body prioritizes your baby’s needs, often pulling nutrients like calcium from your own bones and teeth. Many expectant mothers notice changes in dental health after pregnancy, which can leave them wondering if calcium deficiency played a role.
One mom shared how her teeth weakened after two pregnancies, and she worried about whether she was getting enough calcium. Her concern is common, as many prenatal vitamins contain little or no calcium. This is partly because calcium is bulky and can interfere with iron absorption when taken at the same time.
Why Calcium Matters in Pregnancy
Calcium is essential for building your baby’s bones, teeth, heart, nerves and muscles. During pregnancy, your body’s calcium needs increase significantly.
If your diet does not provide enough, your body will pull calcium from your bones, potentially increasing the risk of future osteoporosis or dental problems (Darling et al., 2020).
Research has shown that adequate calcium intake in pregnancy can support maternal bone health and may also reduce the risk of pregnancy complications like preeclampsia (Palacios et al., 2020).
How Much Calcium Do You Need?
For most pregnant women, the recommended daily intake is around 1,000 mg of calcium. This can come from a mix of food and supplements. Good dietary sources include dairy products, fortified plant-based milks, leafy greens and canned fish with bones.
However, meeting calcium needs through diet alone can be challenging, especially if you are lactose intolerant, vegan or have limited access to calcium-rich foods.
Taking a Calcium Supplement Safely
Many women find that their prenatal vitamin does not contain enough calcium, so they add a separate calcium supplement. Some choose to take a calcium and magnesium blend at night, while taking their prenatal in the morning.
Others prefer to take calcium midday, spacing it away from their prenatal so it does not interfere with iron absorption. A friend-to-friend suggestion is to look for a high-quality calcium citrate or calcium carbonate supplement that also contains vitamin D for better absorption.
A well-balanced option like this calcium + vitamin D supplement can be an easy addition to your routine. If you prefer a combination formula, a calcium-magnesium-vitamin D blend can be helpful, especially for muscle relaxation at night.
Other Benefits of Calcium in Pregnancy
Beyond protecting your bones and teeth, calcium may play a role in lowering the risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that involves high blood pressure. Some obstetricians recommend calcium supplementation, especially in women with low dietary calcium intake (Darling et al., 2020).
Pregnancy cravings can sometimes be your body’s way of signaling needs. Several women notice they crave milk during pregnancy despite not usually drinking it. Listening to these cues while making sure your intake meets daily requirements can help you feel more confident about your nutrition.
How to Balance Calcium with Other Nutrients
Since calcium can reduce iron absorption, it’s best to take your prenatal vitamin and calcium supplement at different times of day. Many moms find a morning prenatal and evening calcium routine works well.
Including magnesium and vitamin D with calcium may support better absorption and help reduce leg cramps or sleep issues.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements. Your individual needs can vary based on your diet, health history and pregnancy progress.
A Word From Vitamins For Woman
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it can take a real toll on your body if key nutrients run low. If your prenatal lacks calcium, talk to your healthcare provider about adding a safe, high-quality calcium supplement to your routine. A well-chosen product with vitamin D and magnesium can make meeting your needs easier and support your long-term health.
You deserve to feel confident that you’re nourishing both you and your baby. Your body is doing amazing work. Taking these small, intentional steps is an act of self-care you’ll thank yourself for later.
Darling, A. L., et al. (2020). Effects of prenatal calcium supplementation on maternal bone health. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1482(1), 23–33. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.14729
Palacios, C., et al. (2020). Calcium supplementation during pregnancy: Updated systematic review. Nutrients, 12(2), 378. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7000487/
- Wei, J., et al. (2021). Calcium supplementation and risk of preeclampsia. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 21, 467. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8229801/
