Calcium Deficiency Risks

• Pregnant women need more calcium for the baby's development. If a woman fails to meet the minimal calcium requirements, calcium may be extracted from current reserves in the bones and teeth.
  
  

Magnesium Deficiency Risks

• Pregnant women should increase their magnesium intake to approximately 350 mg per day. Pregnant women with low magnesium levels face a greater risk of premature labor or birth defects.
  
  

Calcium Sources

• The recommended daily allowance of calcium for pregnant women is 1,000 mg. A healthy diet consisting of milk and other low-fat dairy products offers the best source of calcium. Caffeine may inhibit the body's absorption of calcium, so pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake.
  
  

Magnesium Sources

• A healthy diet provides the best source of magnesium; foods such as tofu and yogurt contain high amounts of magnesium.
  
  

Supplements

• Pregnant women concerned about maintaining proper levels of calcium and magnesium may wish to consider a dietary supplement. Magnesium and iron supplements should be taken separately as magnesium may inhibit the body's absorption of iron.