Pregnancy is a time of increased calcium demands. However, you don’t need to increase your calcium intake beyond the recommended daily amounts for your age. Intestinal absorption increases to compensate for the higher demand.
Nevertheless, you still need to pay attention to your daily calcium content in your diet. If you are unable to reach 1000 milligrams a day by diet alone, use a dietary calcium supplement to make up the difference. In addition, ensure you are meeting your recommended daily intake of 600 IU of vitamin D through diet or supplements.
Your baby’s calcium demands are highest during the third trimester when the bones grow and harden. About 250 to 300 milligrams of calcium are transferred to your baby each day.