Calcium supplementation during pregnancy has been associated with which outcome?

• A. Increases risk of preeclampsia
• B. No effect on preeclampsia or preterm birth
• C. Increased risk of placental abruption
• D. Significant reduction in preeclampsia and preterm births

Answer: (D)

Calcium supplementation during pregnancy is most consistently linked to a lower risk of hypertensive disorders, especially preeclampsia, with the strongest benefit seen in populations with low dietary calcium intake. That focus—a meaningful reduction in preeclampsia—drives why this option stands out as the best answer. In addition, some evidence suggests a potential modest reduction in preterm birth in certain groups, though results are less consistent across all populations. Overall, the robust and well-supported finding is the decrease in preeclampsia, and the combined statement mirrors the broader positive impact observed in trials.