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Calcium is a crucial mineral during pregnancy, for the health of both mom and baby. According to Sarah Jordan, M.D., a board-certified OBGYN and medical director at Pediatrix® OB Hospitalists of Texas, calcium benefits pregnant women by reducing their risk of high blood pressure and preterm birth. “[Low calcium intake] can lead to poor maternal bone health, as the body takes calcium from the mother to help the growing fetus,” said Dr. Jordan. This can cause bone mineral density loss, fluid retention and preeclampsia in pregnant women, and even affect low birth weight in baby. In pregnancy, the recommended daily amount of calcium is 1,000 milligrams per day. Since prenatal vitamins rarely contain enough calcium, you should try and reach your daily calcium requirement with the help of food, emphasized Dr. Jordan. High-calcium foods include pasteurized milk, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, almonds and spinach.
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