We know that it is important to supplement nutrition during pregnancy because it is a period when the baby is growing. Especially in the early stages of pregnancy, when the organs and tissues of the embryo are forming, the calcium requirements for pregnant women are roughly the same as for regular individuals, so there is no need for special calcium supplementation. So, how long after pregnancy should calcium be supplemented? Let's take a comprehensive look at pregnancy knowledge with the help of the editor.
[How long after pregnancy should calcium be supplemented?]
The early stages of pregnancy are a period when the organs and tissues of the embryo are forming. The nutritional status of the mother is crucial for the continued growth and normal development of the fetus. During this time, the calcium requirements for pregnant women are roughly the same as for regular individuals, so there is no need for special calcium supplementation.
Calcium supplementation should start from the mid-pregnancy stage. At this time, pregnant women can eat easily digestible foods such as biscuits, steamed buns, toast, cakes, etc. and consume fruits and vegetables that are rich in water content. This can provide hydration, vitamin C, B vitamins, and inorganic salts such as calcium and potassium, which can help alleviate pregnancy discomfort.
In the mid-pregnancy stage, which starts around the fourth month of pregnancy, the daily calcium requirements for pregnant women gradually increase to 1000-1200 milligrams. At this point, the calcium content in the daily diet is no longer sufficient to meet the growing needs of the baby, so the remaining calcium needs to be obtained from foods rich in calcium or high-quality calcium supplements.
In the late stages of pregnancy, which is the period of the fastest growth and development of the fetus, calcium needs to be increased by 700 milligrams per day. Pregnant women should consume more foods that are rich in calcium. At this stage, the growth rate of the fetus begins to accelerate, and pregnant women should adjust their nutrition according to their own physical condition.
[Which calcium supplements are good for pregnant women]
1. High calcium content
Generally, calcium supplements, health products, or medicines will indicate the calcium content, but some businesses may confuse people by using the content of calcium compounds. Calcium carbonate and calcium gluconate are two types of calcium compounds that contain calcium, but the calcium content is different. Calcium carbonate can contain up to 40% calcium, while calcium gluconate only has 9%. So, when choosing, pay special attention to the calcium content.
2. Complete production information
When selecting calcium preparations, pregnant women should pay attention to details such as the manufacturer, manufacturing address, production date, shelf life, batch number, and approval number to avoid buying fake and inferior products.
3. Choose compound calcium preparations that contain vitamin D
Vitamin D can promote calcium absorption, which is suitable for pregnant women who cannot easily sunbathe in winter. Choosing compound calcium preparations that contain vitamin D can eliminate the need for additional vitamin D and cod liver oil supplements, and it is also less likely to cause excessive intake of vitamin D.
4. Similar absorption rates for the same type of calcium
Many manufacturers advertise that their calcium tablets have a high absorption rate, even up to 95%. However, the absorption rates of calcium preparations are generally similar. For example, calcium carbonate is 39%, calcium lactate is 32%, and calcium gluconate is 27%.
[Dietary taboos for pregnant women]
1. Avoid high-fat diets
Pregnant women who consume high-fat foods for a long time may increase the risk of fetal reproductive system tumors. Although fat itself does not cause cancer, long-term consumption of high-fat foods can increase the concentration of bile acids and neutral cholesterol in the large intestine, which can induce colon cancer.
Furthermore, high-fat foods can increase the synthesis of lactogenic hormones, which can easily lead to breast cancer and pose a threat to maternal and infant health.
2. Avoid high-sugar diets
Scientists have found that pregnant women with high blood sugar levels have a much higher chance of giving birth to overweight babies and developing gestational hypertension compared to normal pregnant women. On the other hand, pregnant women may have varying degrees of reduction in renal sugar excretion function during pregnancy. If blood sugar is too high, it can increase the burden on the kidneys and hinder pregnancy health.
Excessive sugar intake can weaken the body's immune system, reduce the pregnant woman's ability to resist infections, and hinder optimal fetal development.
3. Avoid excessive salt intake
Pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption of salty foods. As we all know, "pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome" is a special disease for pregnant women. The main symptoms are edema, high blood pressure, proteinuria, and in severe cases, there may be self-perceived symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and chest tightness, and even the occurrence of eclampsia, which endangers the health of the mother and baby.
Therefore, excessive consumption of salty foods by pregnant women can easily lead to pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome. To ensure the health of pregnant mothers, the daily intake of salt should be around 6 grams.
4. Avoid excessive consumption of warming supplements
Pregnant women should not excessively supplement with warming supplements. Due to the decrease in gastric acid secretion and the weakening of gastrointestinal function in pregnant women, they may experience loss of appetite, constipation, and other symptoms. In this case, if pregnant women frequently take supplements such as ginseng, deer antler glue, longan, deer antler, deer placenta, lychee, and walnut meat, it can lead to yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity, causing imbalance in the pregnant woman's qi, excessive consumption of yin, excessive circulation of blood heat, high blood pressure, constipation, and even miscarriage.
