The effects of the mode of delivery on oxidative-antioxidative balance.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the mode of delivery on the oxidant and antioxidant systems in mothers and infants and to demonstrate which mode leads more oxidative stress.


METHODS
The participants were divided into two groups according to the mode of their labour and delivery: group 1 (n = 33) women with normal labour and delivery and group 2 (n = 33) with scheduled caesarean section (C/S) and delivery. The maternal, cord, and infant blood samples in both groups were collected. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the total oxidant status (TOS) were evaluated by using an automated colorimetric measurement method.


RESULTS
The parameters indicating oxidative stress (TOS, oxidative stress index, and lipid hydroperoxide) in maternal, cord, and newborn blood samples were higher in patients delivering with C/S than those normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries (NSVD) patient group, while it was vice versa for TAC.


CONCLUSIONS
It may be concluded that both the mothers and neonates in C/S group are exposed to higher oxidative stress as compared with those in NSVD group and the antioxidant mechanisms are insufficient to cope with this stress during C/S. This result indicates that the normal delivery through the physiological route is healthier for the bodies of mothers and infants.
Medical Faculty, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey. birgulmutlu@yahoo.com
Birgul
B
Mutlu
Nurten
N
Aksoy
Hale
H
Cakir
Hakim
H
Celik
Ozcan
O
Erel
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology; D008054:Lipid Peroxides / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011247:Pregnancy
D000975:Antioxidants; D008054:Lipid Peroxides