Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: I am 3 months and 5 days pregnant, and I just had my first prenatal check-up. I have mild calcium deficiency, while all other indicators are normal. The doctor mentioned that one of the urine test results showed 30 MG, with a normal value of 40. I don’t understand what this means. The doctor said I have a slight calcium deficiency and asked me how to supplement calcium best. When I first got pregnant, I was drinking two cups of Mengniu Pure Milk a day, but later I started feeling nauseous when I smelled milk and switched to drinking Hua Hua Niu and Shan Meng’s packaged yogurt. I’m not sure if yogurt is effective for calcium or if there are other good ways to supplement calcium. URGENT!!!Thank you!!!!!!
Doctor's answer:
Yogurt is made from fresh milk fermented by lactic acid bacteria, and its pH value is relatively low. If a pregnant woman experiences severe reactions in the early stages of pregnancy and acid reflux, it indicates a high level of stomach acid, and in such cases, it is not advisable to consume yogurt. However, after meals, when there is some food in the stomach, it can be consumed in moderation. It is recommended to avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. If a pregnant woman does not experience acid reflux, she can completely consume yogurt.Nutritionally, yogurt is not only as beneficial as fresh milk but also easier to digest and absorb. The lactic acid bacteria in yogurt can inhibit the growth of putrefactive bacteria in the intestines after entering the digestive system, reducing the toxins produced by these bacteria and thus contributing to health benefits. Additionally, it can help increase the body's intake of the B vitamin group. For individuals with insufficient stomach acid, yogurt is even more suitable.
However, during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the body requires a significant amount of calcium, approximately 1000-1500 mg per day. Since the production process of yogurt results in a loss of calcium, it does not contain as much calcium as fresh milk. Moreover, the lactic acid in yogurt needs to be metabolized by the liver, which can increase the burden on the pregnant woman's liver.