Maternal and Fetal Outcomes Following Calcium Supplementation in High-Risk Pregnancies: Focus on Preeclampsia Prevention

Background: One of the leading causes of illness and mortality among mothers and newborns is preeclampsia. It has been suggested that taking calcium supplements during pregnancy can reduce the prevalence of preeclampsia, especially in groups with inadequate calcium intake from their diet. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of calcium supplementation on maternal and fetal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies, with a particular focus on preeclampsia prevention. Methods: One hundred and twenty pregnant women at high risk for preeclampsia were randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 60) or the calcium-supplemented group (n = 60). From 20 weeks of pregnancy until birth, the calcium-supplemented group was given 1.5g of calcium every day. The two groups were compared in terms of maternal serum calcium levels, blood pressure, pregnancy-induced hypertensive diseases, and newborn outcomes. Results: Calcium supplementation significantly increased maternal serum calcium levels. While preeclampsia incidence was lower in the calcium-supplemented group compared to the control group, this difference was not statistically significant. However, calcium supplementation was associated with improved neonatal outcomes, including increased birth weight and reduced intrauterine growth restriction. Conclusion: Calcium supplementation during pregnancy may have beneficial effects on maternal and fetal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies, particularly in terms of improving neonatal birth weight and reducing the risk of intrauterine growth restriction.