Effect of Delivery Mode on Maternal Total Antioxidant Status and Glucose Levels in Reproductive-Aged Women in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The method of delivery, whether vaginal (VD) or cesarean section (CS), is a key factor in maternal health. Antioxidants play an important role in preventing cellular damage during and after delivery due to their free radical-scavenging properties. Total antioxidant capacity/status (TAC/S) and blood glucose levels (GLu) serve as holistic markers of oxidative balance, assessing the combined antioxidant effects present in plasma and body fluids. Elevated oxidative stress (OS) during delivery, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and glucose intolerance, can disrupt cellular balance, highlighting the need to monitor these indicators. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate changes in TAC/S and GLu associated with different delivery modes among women of reproductive age in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The study involved 200 pregnant women, aged 20 to 39 years, with 100 delivering vaginally and 100 via cesarean section. At the time of delivery and postpartum, 4 ml of venous blood was collected from each participant. Samples were analyzed for TAC/S using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for GLu using a glucometer. Results showed that TAC/S levels (p<0.001) were significantly lower in women who delivered vaginally compared to those undergoing CS. Both groups experienced a significant reduction in glucose levels in the postpartum period compared to their levels before delivery. These findings suggest that women who deliver vaginally may experience a greater decrease in antioxidant capacity after childbirth compared to those who have a cesarean section. Reduced glucose levels in both delivery methods indicate changes in metabolic demands postpartum. It is recommended that TAC/S and GLu levels regularly monitored during childbirth to support postpartum health management and reduce oxidative stress complications.