Research Article
Serum Calcium Concentration in Pregnant Women in Kindu, Maniema, Democratic Republic of Congo
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
62-66
Received:
7 September 2026
Accepted:
23 September 2026
Published:
14 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ejcbs.20261204.11
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Abstract: Background: Calcium plays an essential role in maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Maternal calcium status is influenced by dietary intake, nutritional status, gestational age, and physiological adaptations occurring during pregnancy. However, data on serum calcium concentrations among pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in Maniema Province, remain limited. Objectives: This study aimed to determine serum calcium concentration among pregnant woman in Kindu, Maniema province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to assess the frequency of hypocalcémie during early pregnancy. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted among 116 pregnant women with gestational ages of less than 20 weeks. Participants were recruited and followed at Lumbulumbu Hospital Center, Kindu General Referral Hospital, and Kasuku 2 Health Center between Januarys 1 and December 31, 2024. Serum calcium concentrations were measured during pregnancy. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the chi-square test. A p- value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean serum calcium concentration was 1.146±0.132 mmol/L. Hypocalcaemia was identified in 16.4% of the pregnant women studied. Conclusion: This study found that hypocalcaemia was relatively frequent among pregnant women in Kindu. Early assessment of maternal calcium status may help identify women at risk of calcium deficiency and facilitate appropriate nutritional counseling and management during pregnancy. Further studies are needed to investigate the determinants of hypocalcaemia and its potential relationship with maternal and fetal outcomes in this population.
Abstract: Background: Calcium plays an essential role in maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Maternal calcium status is influenced by dietary intake, nutritional status, gestational age, and physiological adaptations occurring during pregnancy. However, data on serum calcium concentrations among pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,...
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,
Dieudonne Mushengezi Sengeyi
