Prevention of fetal growth restriction in pregnancy

Abstract

Living in large cities, environmentally unfriendly background, smoking during pregnancy are associated with increasing number of complications, such as premature birth, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth and low birth weight. Pathogenetic mechanisms of these complications include oxidative stress, which can be combated by adding vitamin supplements with antioxidant activity to the daily routine of a pregnant woman. Smokers have a lower serum level of such important antioxidants as vitamins E, C and omega-3 fatty acids. The additional intake of vitamin complexes containing omega-3 fatty acids by pregnant women living in large megacities, adverse ecological regions and/or abusing smoking, has a preventive effect and can reduce the risk of premature delivery and fetal growth restriction among this cohort of patients.

Keywords

• fetal growth restriction
• omega-3 fatty acids
• vitamin supplements
• smoking
• premature birth
• tobacco abuse