Mom's diet & exercise

Calcium Requirements

Sunlight is very good for stimulating the production of active vitamin D that lies dormant within the skin. When supplies are low, calcium will be drawn from the bones. As you will see, as the calcium reserves of the bones are used, the bones can become more prone to osteoporosis in later years. Also during pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that stimulate the release of calcium from your bones, while increasing your calcium absorption and deposition into your bones. As the fetus' needs increase, maternal absorption of dietary calcium is increased. In a study, non-pregnant women were shown to absorb 27% of dietary calcium, while women who were in their fifth and sixth month of pregnancy absorbed 54%. That is DOUBLE the absorption rate. Women who were at full term absorbed only 42% as the fetal needs declined.

Women who do not consume milk or milk products are required to take calcium supplements. However, milk products are not the only forms of dietary calcium. Many green vegetables like, broccoli, spinach, kale, and collards are high in calcium. Calcium fortified orange, grapefruit and apple juice are now available. However, some foods that may be high in calcium may also contain oxalates which decreased the rate calcium is absorbed. Oxalates are found in foods like tea, green leafy vegetables, cola, chocolate, peanut butter, and high fiber foods. Milk products are the highest in calcium and the most readily absorbed in dietary form.