When should pregnant women start taking calcium supplements?

Pregnant women should start taking calcium tablets around the 4th month of pregnancy, as the development of the fetus's teeth and bones accelerates significantly after this point, leading to a gradual increase in calcium demand. During the first three months of pregnancy, fetal development is relatively slow, and the demand for calcium is relatively low. However, after the 4th month, as the fetus's teeth and bones develop rapidly, the demand for calcium gradually increases. Therefore, it is appropriate for pregnant women to start taking calcium supplements from the 4th month of pregnancy, allowing the fetus to absorb more calcium from the mother's body, which is beneficial for bone and tooth development. Failure to supplement calcium in a timely manner during this period may lead to discomforts such as joint pain and leg cramps in pregnant women. Inadequate calcium levels in pregnant women can result in a lack of calcium necessary for fetal development, potentially causing conditions such as skull softening and calcium deficiency in the fetus. It may also increase the risk of rickets. Starting from the 4th month, pregnant women can take calcium tablets before bedtime every day, as the body's metabolism is most active at night, resulting in a higher absorption rate of calcium. Additionally, vitamin D can be supplemented to further enhance calcium absorption. It is recommended that pregnant women consult a physician before taking calcium supplements to ensure scientific and appropriate calcium supplementation.