A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MATERNAL SERUM CALCIUM LEVELS IN NORMAL PREGNANCY AND HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY WITH MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Background: Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes during
pregnancy, influencing maternal and fetal health outcomes. Hypertensive disorders of
pregnancy (HDP), such as preeclampsia, can significantly impact these processes and
outcomes. Objective: To compare maternal serum calcium levels in normal pregnancies with
those in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and to correlate these levels with maternal and
fetal outcomes. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted with 180 pregnant
women divided into two groups: those with hypertensive disorders (n=90) and normotensive
controls (n=90). Maternal serum calcium levels were measured, and maternal and fetal
outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results: The study found that maternal serum
calcium levels were significantly lower in the hypertensive group compared to the
normotensive group. These levels were also inversely correlated with the severity of
hypertension and adverse fetal outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.
Conclusion: Lower serum calcium levels in hypertensive pregnancies may contribute to the
severity of hypertension and poor fetal outcomes, suggesting that calcium supplementation
could be beneficial in managing HDP.