In one study, 110 pregnant women with low levels of antioxidants took 1,000 mg of vitamin C plus 400 IU of vitamin E per day or a placebo from eight to 12 weeks pregnant. They continued supplementation through two weeks after giving birth. Nine of the women developed pre-eclampsia, with eight of the cases in the placebo group and one in the antioxidant group.
Doctors concluded that women who are low in antioxidants may reduce the chances of pre-eclampsia by taking antioxidants during early pregnancy.