A recent study suggests that vitamin C supplementation after the half-way point of a pregnancy may reduce the women�s risk of her water breaking too early. If a pregnant woman's waters break too early, her unborn baby can be put in danger of complications.
The study of 120 pregnant women found that vitamin C supplements were associated with a reduced risk of premature rupture of membranes, or PROM. Supplementation began at the 20th week of gestation.
Vitamin C is known to play an important role in maintaining the membranes that enclose the fetus and amniotic fluid. Although previous reports have linked low levels of vitamin C in the mother with an increased risk of PROM occurring, it was unclear if using vitamin C supplements helps reduce this risk.
Because PROM may be responsible for 40 percent or more of all cases of preterm labor, researchers conclude that vitamin C supplements may be helpful in sustaining pregnancy to term.
The study of 120 pregnant women found that vitamin C supplements were associated with a reduced risk of premature rupture of membranes, or PROM. Supplementation began at the 20th week of gestation.
Vitamin C is known to play an important role in maintaining the membranes that enclose the fetus and amniotic fluid. Although previous reports have linked low levels of vitamin C in the mother with an increased risk of PROM occurring, it was unclear if using vitamin C supplements helps reduce this risk.
Because PROM may be responsible for 40 percent or more of all cases of preterm labor, researchers conclude that vitamin C supplements may be helpful in sustaining pregnancy to term.
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