Ideal timing of labor in terms of oxidative stress - which term period is best?

Objectives: To determine the ideal timing of labor for term pregnancies using oxidative stress determiners. Materials and methods: 150 low-risk pregnant women were divided into three groups according to gestational week periods: early term, full term, and late-term. Groups were matched in terms of age and body mass index. Thiol/ disulfide homeostasis parameters were obtained from maternal blood samples at the beginning of the active phase and from cord blood immediately after delivery. Results: Maternal and fetal native and total thiol, which indicates antioxidant status, were found to be significantly higher in full terms (maternal 397.5 +/- 78.8, 435.9 +/- 84.5, and fetal 472.5 +/- 78.4, 513.7 +/- 89.2 respectively; for all parameters p < 0.05). The maternal oxidant balance was not significantly different between the groups; 1st-minute APGAR scoreswere significantly correlated with maternal antioxidant levels (p=0.042; r=0.199). Conclusions: The highest level of antioxidants in thiol/disulfide homeostasis in full-term pregnancies can be explained by the mechanism that increases the antioxidant level of the mother, which works best in the period between 39 and 41 weeks of pregnancy.

Automated summary

This study reveals that the highest level of antioxidant status can be observed in full-term pregnancies, and it is correlated with better APGAR scores in newborns. However, no significant difference in maternal oxidant balance was found between different gestational stages.