Assessment of Serum Calcium Levels in Pregnant Women: A Study in Derna, Libya

Authors

  • Seraj Abbas Department of Clinical Nutrition, Higher Institute for Medical Professions and Technologies, El- Merj, Libya. Author
  • Safia Elfkakry Public Health Department, College of Medical Technology, Derna, Libya. Author
  • Zainab Mahmoud Public Health Department, College of Medical Technology, Derna, Libya Author
  • Ameerah Abraheem Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya Author
  • Raga A. Elzahaf Public Health Department, College of Medical Technology, Derna, Libya. Author

Keywords:

Hypocalcemia, Pregnancy, Serum calcium, Vitamin D deficiency, Maternal health, Nutrition, Libya

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a period of heightened calcium demand necessary for the growth and development of the fetus and placenta. Women with low calcium intake may manifest hypocalcemia in pregnancy. Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of hypocalcemia among pregnant women in Derna city/Libya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used from 1st January 2023 to 31 May 2023, samples were collected from obstetrics and gynecology department at Al-Wahda hospital and Zahret al-Hayat private Clinic. Results: The study showed that 58.4% of the pregnant women recorded a low level of calcium, 36.6% recorded a normal level and 5% recorded a high level. Conclusion: It is necessary to raise the level of calcium with good nutrition during pregnancy, taking calcium supplements and getting an adequate portion of vitamin D to improve the general health of pregnant women. 

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Published

2025-01-04

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): Jan. 2025 issue

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.