Background: Pre-eclampsia, a kind of hypertension in pregnancy, is a frequent complication in pregnant women. Overall incidence of pre-eclampsia is 2-7 percent that reaches to 6-7 percent in nullipar women. Regarding decreased activity of antioxidant substances, we evaluated the effect of vitamin C (an antioxidant) on nullipar women to prevent occurrence of pre-eclampsia.
Material and methods: In this experimental study, 200 nullipar women were assigned into 2 groups randomly. The first group received vitamin C, 1000 mg daily, within 12 to 22 weeks and continued until the end of pregnancy. The second group was considered as the control group and didn't receive the medication. Body mass index (BMI), pre-eclampsia incidence, SGA, preterm labor and low birth weight of newborns were compared between two groups.
Results: Majority of pre-eclamptic women were in age group 21-25 years with BMI of 25-30 kg/m2. Among vitamin C group, the frequency of preeclampsia, preterm labor and SGA was 6%, 3% and 4%, respectively, while it was 6%, 7% and 7% in control groups.
Conclusion: This study revealed no significant correlation between taking vitamin C and pre-eclampsia, LBW, preterm (premature) delivery and SGA.