According to WHO recommendations, calcium supplementation for prevention of pre-eclampsia should be offered to which group, and at what daily dose?
- A All pregnant women, 500 mg daily from 20 weeks
- B Only women with chronic hypertension, 1 g daily from the first trimester
- C Pregnant women with low dietary calcium intake, 1.5 to 2 g elemental calcium daily ✓
- D All primigravidas, 2 g daily in the third trimester
Correct answer: C. Pregnant women with low dietary calcium intake, 1.5 to 2 g elemental calcium daily
Explanation
WHO recommends 1.5 to 2 g of elemental calcium daily for pregnant women whose dietary calcium intake is low, a situation common in parts of India, because supplementation reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia, particularly where baseline intake is deficient. Low-dose aspirin addresses a different pathway and is recommended for women at high predicted risk, usually started in the first trimester. Calcium is not targeted at chronic hypertension alone nor confined to later trimesters.
Reference: WHO Recommendations on Antenatal Care for a Positive Pregnancy Experience, 2016 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.