Pregnancy calls for a lot of attention and mindfulness. And although expectant mothers generally take extra care of their health, they may still experience adverse situations. Kaya naman, supplementation intake is recommended especially before pregnancy.
One of the supplements prescribed by doctors is calcium for pregnant women.
Calcium is an essential nutrient para sa ating mga moms-to-be at syempre pati na rin kay baby. Nakatutulong ang calcium in the development of baby’s bones, teeth, heart, muscles, nerves, and hormones. All the more reason for women to take calcium particularly in preparation for pregnancy!
However, pregnant women are at risk in experiencing adverse situations such as the development of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria or the presence of protein in urine—indicating kidney damage or other signs of organ damage.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2015, eclampsia was the cause of 19.6% of maternal deaths in the Philippines. The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is not known but experts believe it begins in the placenta, the organ that nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy. In 2019, a report indicates postpartum eclampsia as the major cause of death among female pregnant teenagers in Negros Oriental from 2015-2018. Out of the 12 death counts, 10 were caused by postpartum eclampsia while the other two were due to hemorrhage.
If left untreated, ang preeclampsia ay maaaring magdulot ng mga seryosong komplikasyon for both the mother and the baby, including fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, preterm birth, HELLP syndrome (hemolysis elevated liver enzyme and low platelet), eclampsia (uncontrolled preeclampsia can lead to seizures), and cardiovascular disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pregnant women should take 1.5-2.0g of calcium daily, divided into three doses and taken preferably at mealtimes. Calcium supplementation is recommended to prevent pre-eclampsia and its complications. High-dose calcium supplementation may reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth, particularly for women with low calcium diets. Note that it is recommended to take iron and calcium for pregnant women hours apart to avoid negative interactions between the two micronutrients.
Looking for the best calcium for pregnancy? We make sure to pour extra love through healthcare for every mom!
MedChoice offers Calcidin (calcium carbonate + vitamin D3), a nutritional supplement that helps maintain strong and healthy bones, prevent calcium deficiency, and reduce risk of osteoporosis. It contains 600 mg of elemental calcium carbonate and 200 IU of vitamin D3 per tablet.
Calcidin Plus is also used off-label as a supplement during pregnancy to reduce the risk of adverse gestational (both maternal and child) outcomes. Calcidin Plus is cholecalciferol 10 mcg (equivalent to 400 IU vitamin D) + calcium carbonate 1,500 mg (equivalent to 600 mg elemental calcium) film-coated tablet available in aluminum strip foil.
Calcidin is safe for adults 18 years old and up, including pregnant and lactating moms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute a professional expertise, ask your doctor or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
References:
Acosta-Sison, H., & Baens, A. (2019). The status of Eclampsia in the Philippines. Journal of the Philippine Islands Medical Association, 1930 Vol. 10, 105-ref. 9. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19302702082
Early detection of pre-eclampsia for safe and healthy pregnancy. (2019, November 12). Business Mirror. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/11/12/early-detection-of-pre-eclampsia-for-safe-and-healthy-pregnancy/
Hofmeyr, G. J., Manyame, S., Medley, N., & Williams, M. J. (2019). Calcium supplementation commencing before or early in pregnancy, for preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The Cochrane Library, 2019(9). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd011192.pub3
Guidelines Review Committee. (2020). WHO recommendation on calcium supplementation before pregnancy for the prevention of pre-eclampsia and its complications. www.who.int. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003118
Lomotan, R. A. (2021, August 19). Eclampsia major cause of death among pregnant teens. Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/2021/08/19/eclampsia-major-cause-of-death-among-pregnant-teens
TMC preeclampsia screening: New studies document effectiveness, cost benefits. (2021, May 22). Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/22/tmc-preeclampsia-screening-new-studies-document-effectiveness-cost-benefits/
World Health Organization. (2018). WHO recommendation: calcium supplementation during pregnancy for prevention of pre-eclampsia and its complications. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550451