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Preeclampsia & Eclampsia Incidence

Overview

Maternal hypertensive disorders, which are characterized by high blood pressure and possibly fluid retention and proteinuria (abnormally high protein in the urine) and include preeclampsia and eclampsia represent a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, claiming approximately 29,000 maternal lives annually. Research has demonstrated that calcium supplementation during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of these potentially fatal conditions. Based on the evidence, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 1.5-2 g of daily calcium supplementation for pregnant women in populations with low calcium intake as a preventive public health measure.

Data Source

This visualization is based on literature searches of preeclampsia and eclampsia rates and displayed as a percent of the study population. These studies were mostly done in hospital settings and are generally not representative at the national level. When multiple data sources were available for a country, the map displays the most recent and representative or largest study. Download the data to see more information on all studies found in the literature review.

Download the Data

Strategic Applications

This map enables identification of regions where maternal hypertensive disorders are highest and where calcium interventions would likely deliver maximum impact. The visualization can be used to prioritize resources for calcium supplementation programs targeting pregnant women in high-burden areas, potentially saving thousands of maternal and infant lives worldwide.

Further Reading

  • World Health Organization (WHO). WHO recommendation: Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for the prevention of pre-eclampsia and its complications. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. View guidelines
  • Hofmeyr, G. J., Lawrie, T. A., Atallah, Á. N., & Torloni, M. R. (2018). Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10). View article
  • Gomes, F., Ashorn, P., Askari, S., Belizan, J. M., Boy, E., Cormick, G., … & Bourassa, M. W. (2022). Calcium supplementation for the prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: current evidence and programmatic considerations. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1510(1), 52-67. View article

Last updated: 8/1/25