Key findings
- Women receiving calcium supplements are less likely to die or have serious problems related to pre-eclampsia.
- No adverse effects were found but further research is needed into the ideal dosage for supplementation.
- Babies were less likely to be born preterm from mothers who receive calcium supplements.
Background
Pre-eclampsia is the presence of high blood pressure and protein in the urine of a pregnant woman. It is a major cause of death in pregnant women and newborn babies worldwide. It also causes preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks) which is a leading cause of newborn deaths, rx especially in low-income countries. If pre-eclampsia is not treated, it develops into eclampsia which is characterized by extremely high blood pressure and seizures.
