Preventing PreE with Calcium Supplements?

catsinawindow

I developed PreE at the very end of pregnancy with DS and am trying to do my best to lower my risk for developing it again with subsequent LOs.  Specifically, I've been doing some research on calcium supplementation for prevention of PreE.  It looks like there are some studies showing a benefit, but the full body of research is still inconclusive.  Is anyone here taking calcium supplements to prevent PreE?  If so, how much are you taking?  Did your doctor recommend it?

Thanks!

SeaConquest

I do take 1000-1500 mg. per day. I am AMA and GD, so the risk of pre-e is higher (though I have never had high blood pressure). I generally trust a Cochrane Review:

The Cochrane review found that calcium supplementation compared with placebo significantly reduced the risk of high blood pressure (risk ratio 0?65, 95% CI 0?53?0?81), the overall risk of pre-eclampsia (0?45, 0?31?0?65), and especially the risk of pre-eclampsia in high-risk women (0?22, 0?12?0?42) and women with low baseline calcium intakes (0?36, 0?20?0?65). The risk of preterm birth was significantly reduced with calcium (0?76, 0?60?0?97), and more so in women at high risk of pre-eclampsia (0?45, 0?24?0?83). The composite outcome for maternal death or serious morbidity was significantly reduced by calcium supplementation (0?80, 0?65?0?97).

A diet that provides 1000 mg per day calcium, or a dietary supplement of calcium (and vitamin D4), is a cheap means of reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia in women at increased risk and in women with low calcium intakes, and has other health benefits while doing no harm. 

catsinawindow

SeaConquest:

I do take 1000-1500 mg. per day. I am AMA and GD, so the risk of pre-e is higher (though I have never had high blood pressure). I generally trust a Cochrane Review:

The Cochrane review found that calcium supplementation compared with placebo significantly reduced the risk of high blood pressure (risk ratio 0?65, 95% CI 0?53?0?81), the overall risk of pre-eclampsia (0?45, 0?31?0?65), and especially the risk of pre-eclampsia in high-risk women (0?22, 0?12?0?42) and women with low baseline calcium intakes (0?36, 0?20?0?65). The risk of preterm birth was significantly reduced with calcium (0?76, 0?60?0?97), and more so in women at high risk of pre-eclampsia (0?45, 0?24?0?83). The composite outcome for maternal death or serious morbidity was significantly reduced by calcium supplementation (0?80, 0?65?0?97).

A diet that provides 1000 mg per day calcium, or a dietary supplement of calcium (and vitamin D4), is a cheap means of reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia in women at increased risk and in women with low calcium intakes, and has other health benefits while doing no harm. 

I am thinking about calcium supplements based on that same study (or a review of that study!) I got thinking about it because I recently requested my medical records from DS's delivery and my calcium levels were low at intake. Not sure if it was a cause or effect thing though, but as you say, I figure it can't hurt to try.

Catbella769

lisagde:

SeaConquest:

I do take 1000-1500 mg. per day. I am AMA and GD, so the risk of pre-e is higher (though I have never had high blood pressure). I generally trust a Cochrane Review:

The Cochrane review found that calcium supplementation compared with placebo significantly reduced the risk of high blood pressure (risk ratio 0?65, 95% CI 0?53?0?81), the overall risk of pre-eclampsia (0?45, 0?31?0?65), and especially the risk of pre-eclampsia in high-risk women (0?22, 0?12?0?42) and women with low baseline calcium intakes (0?36, 0?20?0?65). The risk of preterm birth was significantly reduced with calcium (0?76, 0?60?0?97), and more so in women at high risk of pre-eclampsia (0?45, 0?24?0?83). The composite outcome for maternal death or serious morbidity was significantly reduced by calcium supplementation (0?80, 0?65?0?97).

A diet that provides 1000 mg per day calcium, or a dietary supplement of calcium (and vitamin D4), is a cheap means of reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia in women at increased risk and in women with low calcium intakes, and has other health benefits while doing no harm. 

I am thinking about calcium supplements based on that same study (or a review of that study!) I got thinking about it because I recently requested my medical records from DS's delivery and my calcium levels were low at intake. Not sure if it was a cause or effect thing though, but as you say, I figure it can't hurt to try.

if you go to preeclampsia.org there are alot of resources there on suggested things that might help prevent pre e (like calcium, low dose aspirin, etc) as well as if its suggested or not (highly suggested, weak case for suggested use- those are some of the terms they use). You can learn alot from the studies. But most of it according to my MFM is a placental issue. the low dose apsirin for example, is said to help minimize blood clots so placental tears are minimized. (in theory).  i am currently on low dose aspirin as i had HELLP syndrome very serverly last pregnancy.

Also- you do get alot of calcium if you eat a good diet (unless ur vegan in which case you may have to supplement) and along with your pre natal and tums (packed with calcium) you might be pretty close to the 1000 units anyway.