AbstractPregnancy is a condition that is vulnerable to all kinds of stresses resulting in changes of physiological and metabolic functions. Normal pregnancy induces profound changes in maternal anatomy and physiology that involve metabolic processes to support fetal growth and development. Physiological reactive oxidative stress levels play an important regulatory role through various signalling and transduction pathways in embryogenesis, embryonic implantation and fetoplacental development. In women, reactive oxidative species plays a role in remodelling of uterine tissue, implantation of embryo, settelement of villi and development of blood vessels that are characteristics of gestation. Oxidative Stress(OS) is a state characterized by an imbalance between pro-oxidant molecules including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and antioxidant defences. Oxidative stress is involved in various pathological conditions such as abortion, preeclampsia, hydatiform mole, fetal teratogenecity, preterm labour, intrauterine growth restriction; all of which lead to an immense burden of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Antioxidant supplementation may be effective in controlling the production of reactive oxidative species.
Keywords: Pregnancy; Placenta; Oxidative stress; Preeclampsia; Antioxidants; Therapeutic approach.