Calcium and iron are 2 types of minerals that need special attention during pregnancy. When the supply is inadequate, fetal growth will use calcium in the bones and iron in the mother's blood to form and develop. On the other hand, the mother also desperately needs these two substances to have enough health to give birth and take care of her baby later.

1. The role of iron in pregnancy

Iron: During pregnancy, the mother's blood volume increases by 50%. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin which hemoglobin is an important component of blood. Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the mother's body and fetus. Iron is present in most foods, especially animal foods. But iron is not always absorbed well, so the mother often does not have enough iron during pregnancy. Therefore, the maternity care program has supplemented drugs containing iron and folic acid as well as instructed pregnant women on an iron-rich, balanced and nutritious diet.

To avoid the side effects of iron tablets, it should be taken 1-2 hours after meals and help iron absorb well, so increase the use of foods containing a lot of Vitamin C. Do not drink iron with tea and coffee because the tannin in tea and coffee will reduce iron absorption. Iron also helps protect the body from bacterial infections because iron is also a component of an enzyme in the immune system, iron helps convert betacarotene into Vitamin A, which helps create Colagen (this substance binds body tissues together).

Women who are found pregnant for the first time should immediately take iron tablets, which last until 1 month after giving birth. Dose: 60 mg elemental iron with folic acid 400 mcg/day. In addition, it is also recommended to use foods fortified with iron, folic acid for pregnant women.

2. The role of calcium in pregnancy

Calcium: A pregnant woman needs 1000 - 1200 mg of calcium per day. Providing enough calcium needs during pregnancy will help form and develop the fetal skeleton while ensuring the integrity of the maternal skeleton.

Since bones are living tissue, calcium is deposited daily and exits the skeleton, so calcium is needed. The regular accumulation of calcium is essential, it both replaces the lost calcium and creates calcium reserves when the food supply is insufficient. In case calcium deficiency is caused by the body not absorbing enough calcium (possibly due to lack of Vitamin D) or due to low intake, the amount of calcium drawn from the bones of the mother's body will be more, gradually destroying bones, sponging bones and breaking easily. Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction, heart beating, blood clotting and helps the nervous system send information.

However, some foods containing oxalate and cereal grains contain phytates, both of which bind to calcium and iron, partially limiting the absorption of these two minerals. Therefore, like iron, calcium should be taken away from meals to avoid this phenomenon. Calcium is abundant in milk, dark green vegetable leaves, copper shrimp, small fish that eat whole bones.

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