The Importance of Calcium During Pregnancy

March 1, 2022

Calcium is so important for women of all ages, and it is especially important for women who are expecting. It plays a key role in helping build baby’s teeth, bones, and skeletal system. Here we share why adequate calcium consumption is so important for moms-to-be, offer some calcium-rich food suggestions, and explain how you can fill nutritional gaps during pregnancy.

How Calcium Benefits Women During Pregnancy

Your body takes calcium away from you and passes it to your developing baby, which is why getting enough of this mineral is vital to help prevent bone loss during pregnancy. The good news is that your body knows how to step up and protect your bones, especially when you eat the right things.

How Much Calcium Does Your Body Need?

Your body does not produce calcium, which means you need to include it in your diet. Most pregnant women require about 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. You should try to get at least four servings of calcium-rich foods daily.¹

Calcium-Rich Foods

Some of the best sources of calcium are found in dairy products, including:²

Plain low-fat yogurt
Part-skim mozzarella
Cheddar cheese
Skim milk
Calcium-fortified soymilk
2 percent milk
Low-fat buttermilk
Cottage cheese

Non-dairy Calcium Options

Not everyone can tolerate dairy, so here are some non-dairy options that provide significant sources of calcium.

Calcium-fortified orange juice
Canned sardines with bones
Tofu
Salmon
Cereals that are calcium-fortified
Kale
Bok choy

Filling in Nutritional Gaps with Prenatal Vitamins

Sometimes moms-to-be need a little extra help getting the recommended daily amount of calcium. A prenatal vitamin that contains calcium when combined with a calcium-rich diet can usually give you and baby everything you need. But not all prenatal vitamins are created the same.

Prenate offers a family of calcium-rich prenatal vitamins including:

Ask your doctor if a Prenate^® Vitamin is right for you.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate^® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Importance of Calcium During pregnancy Pinterest graphic

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

REFERENCES: 1. Get the Calcium You Need During Pregnancy. Grow by WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/baby/get-the-calcium-you-need-during-pregnancy#1. Last reviewed March 19, 2021. Accessed January 2, 2022. 2. How Much Calcium Do You Need During Pregnancy? What to Expect. https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/diet/calcium-during-pregnancy/#how. Last reviewed May 21, 2020. Accessed January 2, 2022.

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*Most eligible patients will pay no more than $10 per copay. For each Prenate^® prescription, pay the first $10 of your out-of-pocket expense and Prenate^® will cover up to $75 of your remaining expense. You could have additional responsibility depending on your insurance plan or remaining expense. This offer is good for 12 uses.

**Patients pay as little as $45 cash for a 30-day supply or $120 cash for a 90-day supply by ordering through Glendale Pharmacy. Glendale Pharmacy offers free standard shipping on all prescriptions to select states. Click here to confirm if Glendale delivers to your state. Glendale Pharmacy also accepts health insurance in select states, which may reduce your out-of-pocket cost even further. Click here to confirm if Glendale accepts insurance in your state.

Not valid for patient covered under Medicaid, Medicare or similar state or federal programs. Not valid in any state where prohibited by law.