The Importance of Calcium Supplementation During Pregnancy

We don’t need to tell you that pregnancy is a time of profound change. But aside from the changes you see and feel, there’s even more going on inside your body. As you begin to share your nutrients with your baby, your nutritional requirements change too - one of these being an increased need for calcium. 

So you can know how to best support yourself during these nine months, let’s look at why calcium is so important for you and bump, and what type is the best to supplement with… 

Calcium is essential for many of our body’s functions, including muscle health, nerve transmission and hormonal secretion. But it’s most well-known for its role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth (there was a reason our parents always told us to drink our milk as children).

Source:mayoclinic.org,Calcium and calcium supplements: Achieving the right balance

While you’re pregnant, the importance of calcium increases as your baby needs plenty of this mineral to help them form healthy bones. Without enough calcium, your little one will have to borrow extra from you - potentially compromising your own bone health.

Source:nhs.uk,Vitamins, supplements and nutrition in pregnancy

How much calcium do you need? 

Pregnant and breastfeeding people aged 19-50 years: 1,000 mg per day

Source:whattoexpect.com, How Much Calcium Do You Need During Pregnancy

Pregnant and breastfeeding people under 19: 1,300 mg per day

Source:whattoexpect.com,How Much Calcium Do You Need During Pregnancy

Calcium's role in bone health and development

Calcium is essential for the development of your baby’s bones and teeth, particularly during your third trimester when your baby’s skeletal development is at its most rapid. Making sure you get enough calcium while you’re pregnant helps with everything from your baby’s bone formation to preventing preeclampsia.

Source:sciencedirect.com,Chapter 12 - Skeletal Growth and Development

Bone formation

Calcium is the primary building block of bones. Your baby will accumulate up to 30 grams of calcium by the end of your pregnancy, mostly in the third trimester. 

Source:ncbi.nlm.nih.gov,Calcium and bone disorders in pregnancy

Preventing maternal bone loss

To support your baby’s bone development, your body might draw calcium from your own bones. So if your dietary intake is insufficient, this could lead to long-term bone density issues.

Source:ncbi.nlm.nih.gov,The Influence of Pregnancy and Lactation on Maternal Bone Health

Reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders

Some studies suggest that adequate calcium intake can even help lower the risk of conditions such as preeclampsia.

Source:obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com,Calcium for pre-eclampsia prevention: A systematic review and network meta-analysis to guide personalised antenatal care

Which calcium should I use? 

When it comes to calcium supplements, two of the most common forms are calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. Both can help meet your increased calcium needs during pregnancy, but they differ in terms of absorption, tolerability and convenience. 

At Nurture, we’re dedicated to transforming maternity wellness. That’s why we use a unique type of calcium produced from a natural mineral source - calcareous marine algae. Also known as Lithothamnion sp, this organic supplement comes from seaweed sustainably harvested from the North Atlantic seabed.

Source:aquamin.com,AQUAMIN SOLUBLE

Why calcareous marine algae is best

While all forms of calcium can be effective, calcareous marine algae is more easy to take thanks to its neutral taste and smooth texture. And more easily absorbed thanks to its organic roots. That’s why it’s the only kind of calcium we use in our supplements. 

Due to the required amount, we have developed a one-a-day powder sachet which you can pop in food and drinks. Helping you to get a high dose of calcium, without lots of extra pills. 

Our NurtureBoost® sachets contain clinically proven, high-quality calcium sourced from trusted manufacturers. They also contain choline, magnesium and lutein to help boost your body’s calcium absorption and make sure you’re getting the most out of this amazing little mineral. 

We’re here to help make sure you and your little one get enough calcium (and all other nutrients!), providing mindful nutrition for mum and baby to be. Through simple testing and personalised supplement plans, we support your changing vitamin and nutrient needs. Because for the next 9 months, you’re sharing. 

We know every maternal journey is unique. And we nurture it like it is. Take our quick & easy food & lifestyle questionnaire today to get started. Or, if you have any questions feel free to get in contact with our expert support team, they're be happy to help.