A primigravida at 12-weeks gestation tells the nurse that she does not like diary products. Which food should the nurse recommend to increase the client's calcium intake?

• A. Canned clams.
• B. Fresh apricots.
• C. Canned sardines.
• D. Spaghetti with meat sauce.

Answer: (C)

Calcium is essential in pregnancy to support the baby’s developing skeleton and help protect the mother’s bone health. When dairy is not preferred, the goal is to find non-dairy foods that supply a substantial amount of calcium. Canned sardines are rich in calcium because the edible bones contribute a significant share of the calcium content in each serving. They also bring vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which help with calcium absorption and fetal development. In comparison, fresh apricots provide little calcium, and spaghetti with meat sauce generally lacks meaningful calcium unless it’s fortified or served with cheese. Canned clams do contain calcium, but the calcium density in sardines is typically higher, making this the best non-dairy option among the choices.