Can Calcium Supplements Protect First Time Mothers from Pre Eclampsia Here s What the Science Says

Introduction

Preeclampsiaa potentially fatal pregnancy complication continues to pose serious risks for maternal and fetal health worldwide. This condition, characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, often escalates to eclampsia if left unmanaged. A recent clinical trial offers new hope: daily calcium supplementation may significantly reduce the risk of preeclampsia among first-time pregnant women.

Calcium vs Complications What the Study Found

In a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in Yaoundé, Cameroon, 70 healthy first-time pregnant women were divided into two groups:

  • Group 1 received 1.5 g of calcium carbonate daily.
  • Group 2 received standard vitamin supplements.

Key Findings:

  • Sevenfold reduction in preeclampsia among women receiving calcium.
  • Onset of preeclampsia was delayed by 3 weeks in the calcium group.
  • Systolic blood pressure at delivery was significantly lower in the calcium group (p = 0.009).
  • No cases of eclampsia were observed in either group.

Why It Matters for Maternal Health

Clinical and Public Health Implications

This research reinforces the role of calcium in:

  • Modulating blood pressure through hormonal and vascular pathways.
  • Delaying onset of pregnancy complications.
  • Improving overall pregnancy outcomes among atrisk groups.

It suggests a simple addition to maternal care protocols could have lifesaving implications in developing regions, where access to emergency obstetric care remains limited.

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