Supplemental calcium in prevention of pregnancy induced hypertension

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted at Al-Hussein university hospital from June, 1994 to December, 1994 to study the effect of supplemental calcium during Pregnancy on the Prevention of Pregnancy included hypertension. 100 pregnant primigravida included in this study. They were divided into two groups, group I included 50 women who were given one gm of calcium daily from 24th week until delivery. Group 2 included 50 women who were given Placebo in the form of iron capsules. Maternal serum calcium level and blood pressure in both groups were followed up monthly until delivery. The maternal serum calcium level at delivery in Placebo group was significantly lower than in calcium group with P value > 0.005. The maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in Placebo group than in calcium group. So we recommend calcium supplementalation during pregnancy to decrease the incidence of pregnancy induced hypertension