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What Does Calcium Do for Moms and Babies?

  • Calcium helps your baby's bones develop and harden during your third trimester
  • Helps build strong healthy teeth
  • Aids in blood clotting
  • Helps muscle contraction
  • Assists nerve transmission

How Much Calcium Do Moms Need?

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, doctors recommend you get 1000-1300 mg of calcium per day.

Where Can Moms Get Calcium?

  • Milk, cheese, yogurt
  • Broccoli, kale, bok choy
  • Some legumes (soy beans, edamame, navy beans and white beans)
  • Tofu, fortified soy milk
  • Calcium-fortified orange juice
  • Canned sardines, salmon with bones

Tips for Moms:

  • Vitamin D will help your body absorb calcium.


Try our calcium-rich cheesy bean burrito recipe.

If you’re concerned about how much calcium you’re getting during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor. They may be able to provide you additional supplements or refer you to a dietician to help make sure you and your baby are getting the nutrients you both need.

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