Question

During Pregnancy which elements gets lost in blood?

• A. Thiamine
• B. Calcium
• C. Niacine
• D. Calorie.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant physiological changes to support the growing fetus. Various nutrients are transferred from mother to baby through the placenta.

• Calcium Requirement in Pregnancy:
 

• Calcium is essential for fetal skeletal development, tooth formation, heart function, and muscle contraction.
• The developing baby draws calcium from the mother’s blood to build its own bones and teeth.
• If maternal calcium intake is inadequate, the fetus will still extract calcium from the mother’s bones and teeth, leading to calcium depletion in the mother.

• Why Calcium Gets "Lost" in Blood:
 

• Maternal blood calcium levels may decrease because calcium is continuously transferred to the fetus.
• This can lead to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) in the mother if not compensated by diet or supplements.

• Consequences of Calcium Deficiency:
 

• Increased risk of pre-eclampsia
• Muscle cramps
• Dental problems in mother
• Osteoporosis risk later in life

• Recommended Intake: Pregnant women need about 1000–1300 mg of calcium daily.

Why Other Options are Incorrect:
 

• (A) Thiamine: Vitamin B1; important for metabolism but not significantly depleted in blood during pregnancy.
• (C) Niacine: Vitamin B3; also important but not the primary element lost.
• (D) Calorie: Calories are energy units, not an element or nutrient that gets "lost in blood." Calorie requirement increases but it’s not a substance.

Other Nutrients Needed During Pregnancy:
 

• Iron (prevents anemia)
• Folic Acid (prevents neural tube defects)
• Protein
• Iodine
• Vitamin D

Final Answer: (B) Calcium