Discovering that you’re expecting can bring so much joy to you and your family. This makes taking the right steps for a healthy pregnancy all the more important.
During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through a series of changes that encourage her baby to grow and develop, all while protecting her own health as a mother. As such, it’s vital that expecting mothers create a safe space for their little bundle of joy to thrive, while also caring for themselves. Inside the womb, growing infants receive all of their essential nutrients from the mother’s body so they can develop and grow—making it essential that you take good care of your health and ensure you are getting your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
As the saying goes, “Your mother is your first home.”
CALCIUM: A VITAL NUTRIENT DURING PREGNANCY
The human body is complex and wonderful, giving you everything you need to grow your own little human—allowing you to take care of your child by giving it what it needs. However, one thing the body will do is prioritize your developing baby by taking nutrients from your body to encourage healthy development and growth.
One nutrient in particular that your growing baby needs is calcium—the all-star pregnancy mineral.
Calcium is an essential mineral that we all need each and every day to maintain healthy teeth and bones, keep our muscles moving, promote hormone function, and send messages from the brain to the rest of the body. It’s kind of a big deal…
During pregnancy, developing babies rely on the calcium they receive from their mother’s body to survive and thrive. From strengthening rapidly-developing bones and teeth to maintaining muscle and growing a healthy heart and nerves, and even developing blood-clotting abilities, calcium is essential. Soon after conception, your baby’s bones will begin to develop, and they won’t stop growing until your child reaches adulthood. Ultimately, your baby's bone formation comes down to what you consume during pregnancy. Regardless of how much calcium you, as a mother, have in your body, your little one will still take calcium from your bones—so it’s vital that you consume your recommended daily amount to avoid risking bone loss during pregnancy and developing osteoporosis later in life.
If you don’t have enough calcium in your body to care for yourself and your baby, you’ll risk experiencing a calcium deficit, which can lead to:
HOW MUCH CALCIUM DO I NEED DURING PREGNANCY?
The National Academy of Sciences recommends that during pregnancy, women get at least 1,000mg of calcium daily and that those under 18 get at least 1,300mg of calcium each day.
Think of it this way—your developing baby is building an entire skeleton! It’s crucial that they receive the right amount of calcium to support healthy bone formation.
Believe it or not, newborn babies actually have almost 100 more bones than adults. Throughout pregnancy, babies' bodies begin as cartilage, a firm tissue that is softer and more flexible than bone, so that they can arrive safely and fit through the birthing canal with ease. This cartilage gradually ossifies into hard bone as your little one absorbs calcium through your body from inside the womb. Then, when they are born and begin to grow into a toddler, these bones fuse together—which is why adults have a bone count of around 206.
Around the final trimester, your baby will be thriving, and bone development peaks. Mother-baby calcium transfer will reach 250-350mg per day! Your body is now delivering calcium to your baby via the placenta to encourage the bones to strengthen and lengthen. Now is the time that your infant will be transforming cartilage into bone and developing muscle. During these final months, it’s important to keep an eye on your calcium levels and make sure you are giving your body everything it needs to create a safe environment for your little one.
CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D: THE ICONIC DUO
When it comes to bone health, calcium and vitamin D work hand-in-hand. Your body needs vitamin D in order to absorb calcium. Without it, your body will not absorb calcium efficiently, and the calcium you do ingest could go to waste. Experts recommend 10 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D each day, which can be tricky in the winter months due to the lack of sunshine. This is where supplements may come in!
CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS TO SUPPORT YOUR PREGNANCY
The majority of American women don’t get nearly enough calcium. We’re here to share the importance of this all-star mineral, whether you are pregnant or not. Since many natural foods that are rich in calcium are not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or lactose-intolerant people, supplements are a seamless alternative. The same thing applies to individuals suffering from severe nausea and vomiting, or health conditions like IBS or celiac disease.
Studies have shown that calcium supplementation during pregnancy can prevent preterm labor and delivery, as it reduces parathyroid release and intracellular calcium, and therefore reduces smooth muscle contractility.
During pregnancy, there are four possible hypertensive disorders women can experience. Calcium supplements can help reduce the risk of two such disorders—specifically, preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, high-blood-pressure disorders that can be extremely harmful to both expecting mothers and their babies.
It has been clinically proven that women receiving calcium supplements during pregnancy are less likely to experience problems related to preeclampsia and high blood pressure. In fact, studies suggest that pregnancy can be good for bone health overall, with evidence supporting that the more times a woman has been pregnant (for 29 weeks or longer), the greater her bone density will be—and the lower her risk of bone fracture.
MARAH NATURAL AND PREGNANCY
Marah Natural offers a safe way to replenish your calcium level for pregnant women, moms who are breastfeeding and more! Here at Marah Natural, we value good health and support healthy living.
“The synergy of our potent SAC Formulation Technology unlocks a cascade of bone-building and repair processes through our natural products Marah-Cel and Neo-Cel. In addition to triggering the body’s ability to restore 17β-estradiol, osteocalcin, and CTX to normal levels in the blood, this magical elixir will balance your hormones and elevate your overall well-being. The daily ritual will also benefit your skin and body, as our proprietary formula is designed to fight oxidative stress. Start your journey to better health today.”
All of our products are designed with you in mind and are safe for moms-to-be—pre-conception, during pregnancy, and after giving birth.
WHAT DOES OUR BONE HEALTH BUNDLE DO?
Not only is it important to create a safe home for your bundle of joy to develop and grow, but it’s equally vital to take care of yourself as a mother—and give your body everything it needs to be happy and healthy.
Choose health, choose Marah Natural.