CALCIUM HOMEOSTASIS IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

This paper discusses different aspects of calcium homeostasis in pregn ancy: the calcium demands of the mother, regulation mechanisms and the risk factors for demineralization. Special care should be paid to pat ients lying in bed for long periods and patients given heparin prophyl axis. One to two grams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily should be given orally to patients who are being treated for deep vein throm bosis. In addition, bone density should be checked to detect osteoporo sis. The period of heparin prophylaxis must be as short as possible an d bed rest must not be unnecessarily prolonged.