High blood pressure or hypertension is the elevation of systolic blood pressure to more than 140 mmHg and the elevation of diastolic blood pressure to more than 90 mmHg in repeated examinations. Having a high blood pressure for a long period of time may cause heart, kidney, and brain damage. Age, family history, genes, smoking habit, excessive salt, and saturated fat consumption, and obesity increase the risk of hypertension. Hypertension is also commonly experienced by pregnant women.

Preeclampsia is a condition that may occur in approximately week-20 of pregnancy. The symptoms are hypertension and the presence of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia is dangerous for both the mother and the fetus. It may lead to stroke, clotting disorders, kidney failure, and even death. Consuming calcium before and during pregnancy is beneficial to prevent preeclampsia.

According to a study, consuming extra calcium decreases the risk of preeclampsia. In this study, pregnant women with a low level of antioxidants were given calcium, antioxidants, and other supplements starting from the first trimester of pregnancy. The result shows that these women still have a risk of contracting preeclampsia (although the risk is lower compared to those who do not consume the supplements), but the risk of death caused by it significantly decreases.

In conclusion, consuming calcium, antioxidants, and other supporting supplements during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preeclampsia, and also the risk of death caused by it. It is not yet determined which one of those three factors play the most important role in preeclampsia prevention. Further research is required to learn more about this particular issue.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Depositphotos

Source:

• Hofmeyr, G. J. and Manyame, S. (2017). Calcium supplementation commencing before or early in pregnancy, or food fortification with calcium, for preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Issue 9. Art. No.: CD011192. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011192.pub2