Oxidative stress in Primigravida attending an antenatal clinic in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The demand for oxygen increases during pregnancy, and this may lead to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stress level in Primigravida attending antenatal clinic at Gombe town Gidan Magani Maternity, Gombe State, North-eastern Nigeria. The concentration of plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured as biomarker of oxidative stress. The concentrations of Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Lead, Nickel and Cadmium in relation to oxidative stress were measured. Thirty primigravida and ten aged-matched non-pregnant women who served as control were involved in the study. The result of this research shows that the level of Malondialdehyde significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, with the increase being higher in the 2nd trimester. The levels of Cu and Zn increased significantly (P < 0.05) in all the three trimesters, while the level of Mn significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in all the three trimesters. There was no reading detected for Ni, Cd and Pb in both primigravida and control subjects under this study, indicating that neither the primigravida nor the control were exposed to them. All these are proves that oxidative stress occurs in Primigravida These findings emphasized the need for increased awareness among Primigravida on the existence of oxidative stress during pregnancy and also points to the need for measures to be taken against oxidative stress in Primigravida, so as to reduce the complications that arise during pregnancy, and ensure the safety of both mother and fetus during pregnancy and after delivery.