Calcium Deficiency

source: http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/more-images-6926-146.html

In our body, ninety-nine percent of the calcium is in the bones and teeth and 1% is in the blood. Calcium is an integral part of bone structure and has many functions such as activation of muscle contraction, activation of a protein, helping blood clot, and regulation of enzymes.

According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, the recommended calcium intake is:

For pregnant women less than 18 years of age: 1,300 mg/day

For pregnant women 19-50 years of age: 1,000 mg/day

resource: http://www.babycorner.in/parents-checklist/nutrition-for-pregnant-women/

Pregnant women accumulate calcium mostly during the 3^rd trimester.  Calcium metabolism is influenced by hormonal factors in pregnant women that promote calcium retention to meet increasing fetal skeletal growth, formation of teeth and adequate supply of calcium for breast feeding. Calcium deficiency affects the heart and circulatory system and normal bone formation.  For instance, if pregnant women have a calcium deficiency, they not only may develop osteomalacia because of loss of maternal skeleton but it would also affect fetal skeletal growth.

 

resource: http://www.moondragon.org/health/disorders/rickets.html

Osteomalacia will cause the patient to have some symptoms such as muscle weakness and bone aches and pain. Moreover, patient’s bones become soft due to a vitamin D deficiency. Actually, pregnant women consume adequate vitamin D which helps to maintain calcium balance during pregnancy. However, excessive consumption of vitamin D supplements may be harmful during pregnancy. 

According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, “vitamin D is unique in that sunlight on the skin enables the body to make vitamin D. Moreover, you also consume milk and milk products contribute many nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D (for products fortified with vitamin D), and potassium, to the diet.”

 

Reference:

Am J Obstet Gynecol. Pitkin RM.(1975) Calcium metabolism in pregnancy: a review. The Journal of Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1975 Mar 1;121(5):724-37. PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE PMID:1090175.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1090175

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Osteomalacia http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteomalacia/DS00935

University of Cincinnati. Osteoporosis. How Much Calcium is Enough?. Last Reviewed: Jul 13, 2010 http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/osteoporosis/faq3.cfm

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness.RICKETS & OSTEOMALACIA.(Vitamin D Deficiency)

http://www.moondragon.org/health/disorders/rickets.html

Health Center. Calcium source. http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/more-images-6926-146.html

Posted on October 30, 2011. Baby Corner. Nutrition for Pregnant Women http://www.babycorner.in/parents-checklist/nutrition-for-pregnant-women/