Melatonin levels decrease in the blood of pregnant women in case of IUGR.

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common reason for perinatal morbidity and mortality. Also, it is often complicated with fetal distress. Melatonin is widely known as an anti-oxidant agent, which might decrease the damage of tissues caused by hypoxia. Aim of the study. We aimed to investigate whether the level of melatonin in umbilical blood after birth is different in case of IUGR, comparing to normal fetuses.