Vitamin C is a water soluble nutrient needed for the formation of collagen, repairing the tissues, and various metabolic processes like iron metabolism and translation of folic acid [Folic acid supplement]to folinic acid.

Vitamin C reduces the risk of premature birth, so pregnant women should take sufficient amounts of vitamin C during the second half month.

The membranes of the sac holding the fetus and amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus start to rupture when your pregnancy come to end and the process of birth begin.

This premature rupture of membranes (PROM) can lead to premature delivery. Taking adequate vitamin C levels help to reduce the incidence of PROM.

Research shown that distorted collagen samples and decreased vitamin C levels during 28th week of pregnancy greatly associated with the incidence of PROM.

Collagen is the basis to hold fetal membrane and preserve the mechanical strength of chorio amniotic membranes. Some other conditions that are present during pregnancy such as intrauterine or cervicovaginal infections also are due to insufficient vitamin C levels.

Adequate levels of vitamin C help to develop strong teeth and bones in your baby. Vitamin C helps in proper absorption of iron that is needed for the formation of hemoglobin. Inculcate the habit of taking sufficient vitamin C during your pregnancy.

Even after the pregnancy, vitamin C helps to cope with the challenges of breast feeding and supply needed nutrients for your baby through breast feeding.

Although scurvy (the acute lack of vitamin C) is one of the oldest diseases known to man, there is still considerable controversy about the precise role of this vitamin in metabolism and about the optimal dietary intake. Many of the symptoms seen in scurvy are directly related to the role this nutrient plays in the formation of collagen, a protein found in skin, tendons, and bones. In vitamin C deficiency, collagen is poorly formed and abnormalities of bone, teeth, and gums are common; wounds, surgical incision, and burns heal more slowly.

Ideally, the optimal intake should assure that tissues remain saturated since excess amounts are excreted in the urine. Although the amount required to achieve this level of saturation varies considerably from one woman to another, the requirement for this vitamin has been set at 85 mg during pregnancy. Fruits and vegetables are the primary dietary sources of vitamin C, those which may be eaten uncooked furnish the most significant amounts, since this nutrient is not stable in the presence of heat. Vitamin C is destroyed by exposure to air, therefore, purchasing quantities which will be promptly used, avoiding long standing times between preparation and serving, and storing vitamin C- rich foods in airtight containers will preserve their nutrient content.