Daily recommended calcium allowance for pregnant aqnd lactating women is between 1,200 aqnd 1,500 milligrants. Pregnant women are encouraged to eat calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, green vegetables, seafood and beans. But there are two problems with this recommendation. Some women are lactose intolerant. They are unable to diggest milk because of the gas, cramps and diarrhoea. The United States Recommended Daily Allowance says this category of women should consume small amounts of milk with meals because milk may be better tolerated with food.
They may also be tolerant to certain milk products that contain less sugar, including cheese,yogurt and cottage cheese. However, this is for women who can afford these meals.
Women in Africa and other parts of the world who are unable to meet up with this calcium requirement during pregnancy can rely on calcium supplements and some antacids containing calcium.