Glutathione for a Healthier Pregnancy

All parents-to-be nurture the dream of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

But the modern environment and diet is deficient in many factors essential for the health of mother and fetus. One of those factors is antioxidants.

The role of antioxidants like folic acid in preventing birth defects like spina bifida and cleft palate is well known. It is now included in all prenatal vitamin supplements.

But the role of antioxidants like glutathione and Vitamin E in pregnancy is often overlooked.

Antioxidants and glutathione status play an important role in the development and growth of the fetus, maintenance of a healthy pregnancy - and even before pregnancy, in fertility and conception.

Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant. It helps to regenerate stores of other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E.

It also protects both mother and fetus from the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.

Many pregnancy complications and birth defects have been linked to oxidative stress, free radical damage and low glutathione levels in the mother and fetus.

The role of glutathione in the development of the foetus and placenta is crucial. Glutathione (GSH) can control cell differentiation, proliferation, and cell death - essential functions in the developing embryo.

In the placenta, glutathione detoxifies pollutants before they reach the developing child. Most substances or factors which cause birth defects (teratogens) are known to exert their embryotoxic effects because they cause oxidative stress.

The human placenta possesses a significant amount of glutathione S-transferase (GST) capable of detoxification or activation of drugs and pharmaceuticals during the critical period of organ development in the fetus.

Some drugs are known to cause birth defects in the growing fetus by generating free radicals, and depleting GSH stores.

In the early embryonic stages, the fetus is sensitive to the toxic and teratogenic effects of chemicals, whereas it is sensitive to carcinogenic effects during late fetal stages.

Carcinogens administered to the mother can be transferred through the placenta and induce cancer in the fetus. Many carcinogens are much more active in the fetus than in adults and they tend to act as abortifacients and teratogens as well.

Environmental and lifestyle factors are known to cause oxidative stress and lower glutathione levels - resulting in birth defects, abortion and miscarriages in pregnancy.

Some of the known teratogens (causing birth defects) in pregnancy include:

o Radiation o Pesticides and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) o Air pollution o Heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, arsenic) o Vinyl chloride o Acryonitrile o Excess Oxygen (hyperoxia) o Anti-psychotic and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) o Thalidomide o Cigarette smoke o Alcohol (ethanol) consumption

Maternal health factors that increase free radicals and cause birth defects include:

o Diabetes o Pre-eclampsia o Infection and Inflammation

Glutathione and other antioxidants attenuate oxidative stress in pregnant women with inflammation or maternal conditions like diabetes and pre-eclampsia, and in fetuses at risk for developing cystic fibrosis.

Supplementation with glutathione precursors and antioxidants can decrease the incidence of birth defects and protect both mothers and the fetus from the damaging and possibly fatal consequences of pregnancy complications.

Glutathione (GSH ) also prevents or minimizes the oxidative stress that occurs during labor and the birth process.

Perinatal or birth asphyxia/hypoxia (deprivation of oxygen supply to the brain) in preterm deliveries and labor can lead to cerebral palsy, respiratory distress syndrome, irreversible brain injury, and permanent neurological and intellectual handicaps.

Administration of the glutathione precursor, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), to the pregnant mother partially prevents oxidative stress during the birth process in premature infants.

Currently, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises all pregnant women to take a prenatal vitamin containing antioxidants.

In addition, they advise eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, the best sources of antioxidant protection.

Read a detailed report with references on the role of glutathione in pregnancy

------------------------ Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of supplementary glutathione. Women who are pregnant or nursing should discontinue all supplements except as directed by their healthcare providers. ------------------------

Copyright © 2004 Priya Shah

_____________________________________________

About the author:
Priya Shah is the Editor of The Glutathione Report, a newsletter featuring regular updates on the health benefits of glutathione. Get a Free report on Glutathione in Health and Disease
____________________________________________

---

Pregnant Mothers and Starbucks

Many mothers are addicted to caffeine and cannot handle going... Read More

How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

Weight control is a prevalent concern for many women after... Read More

Twins Pregnancy?A Father?s Point of View

So you're expecting twins. Congratulations!Are you still in shock? I... Read More

Help I am Pregnant and an Addict

There are a lot of resources on the internet, in... Read More

Stress And Pregnancy

Stress Relief During Pregnancy If you truly want to ensure... Read More

How To Avoid Post Partum Depression

New mothers sometimes experience "postpartum blues." This is understandable. Pregnancy... Read More

Pregnancy and Tanning Bed - Think Before You Tan

With summer coming near, you would love to put on... Read More

The First Warning Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be exciting or daunting, depending on the circumstances.... Read More

Vitamin C Prevents Pregnancy Complication

Women who supplement with a small amount of vitamin C... Read More

Train While You Gain - Why a Personal Trainer Can Make a Difference During Your Pregnancy

The average woman will gain between 25 and 30 pounds... Read More

Is A Baby Allowed To Play In Its First Month?

What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many... Read More

Pregnancy Planner - A Quick Guide

Weeks 1 to 3 are the first weeks of pregnancy.... Read More

Are Epidurals Bad?

EPIDURALS CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE "HORRORS" OF CHILDBIRTHIt is... Read More

Morning Sickness Survival Tips

"Just eat a few saltines and you'll be ok".I don't... Read More

Pregnancy and Pre-natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are important to the health of a growing... Read More

Mommy Is Having A Baby!

Preparing for a new arrival from the beginning of your... Read More

Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Being Pregnant

EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMSAlthough a lot of women experience pregnancy symptoms,... Read More

Piece of Mind During Pregnancy - It is Possible with Babysheart

After four years of marriage my husband and I started... Read More

The Ins and Outs of Being a Doula

A doula is a Greek word meaning "woman servant." Doulas... Read More

Fetal Development Month by Month

Month 1: Your first month of pregnancy your baby will... Read More

Pregnancy Preparation: Who is a Baby Whisperer?

A baby whisper is a Dr. Mommy who inspires and... Read More

Is Pregnancy Changes You?

People say pregnancy is a fun and exciting time. Probably... Read More

Obesity And Pregnancy

If you are overweight when you become pregnant, your physician... Read More

Finding Time To Exercise After Pregnancy

If exercise is so obviously the answer to losing weight... Read More

Doulas Are Laboring Angels

Have you considered hiring a doula for added support during... Read More

Keeping Cool When Pregnant

Chill Out: how to keep your cool this summerWhen the... Read More

Baby Essentials - A Guide For First Time Mums

Are you a first time expectant mum wandering around the... Read More

You Might Be Pregnant If

Your breasts are now twice their normal size.One of the... Read More

Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk: Why Women Do It

Exclusively pumping breast milk is best thought of as an... Read More

Weight Gain During Pregnancy, and Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How much weight gain is normal during pregnancy, and will... Read More

Abortions After Fetal Viability

Abortion is without a doubt one of the hottest and... Read More

What If Your Teenager Get Pregnant?

What if you received a letter from a 13 years... Read More

Fighting the Pregnancy Blahs

Every pregnant woman has experienced the pregnancy blahs. I can... Read More