Assessment of Enzymatic Antioxidants and Red Cell Indices in Relation to Modes of Child Delivery among Women in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

A positive pregnancy outcome is marked by childbirth, and the method of delivery, whether vaginal delivery (VD) or cesarean section (CS), is essential to maternal health. Antioxidants, which delay or prevent cellular damage by scavenging free radicals, play a vital role in maintaining cellular balance. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine changes in enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx) and red cell indices (RCI) associated with different delivery methods among women of reproductive age in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The study included 200 pregnant women aged 20 to 39, divided equally into two groups: 100 who underwent VD and 100 who had CS. Venous blood samples (10 ml) were collected at delivery and post-delivery. Of this, 4 ml was placed in an EDTA tube for RCI analysis, while 6 ml was placed in a plain tube for measuring SOD, CAT, and GPx levels. RCI was determined using a Mindray hematology auto-analyzer, and enzymatic antioxidant levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microplate reader. The findings revealed significant reductions in the levels of SOD (p<0.001), CAT (p<0.001), and GPx (p<0.001) in women who underwent VD compared to those who had CS. Postpartum red cell indices in VD showed decreases in MCV (p=0.981) and MCH (p<0.001), while MCHC (p<0.001) increased compared to antepartum levels. In CS cases, postpartum MCV (p<0.001) was lower, while MCH (p<0.001) and MCHC (p<0.001) were significantly elevated relative to antepartum levels. Based on these results, it is recommended that the assessment of antioxidant parameters and anemic status be included as part of postpartum care to support better management of maternal health following childbirth.