Observation on Some Haematological Parameters of Nigerian Women during Pregnancy

Objective: To determine the variations or changes (if any) in total and differential leukocyte counts (WBC, total and differential), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in pregnancy. Method: A prospective study carried out at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) and the General Hospital (BMH) Port Harcourt on 270 pregnant and 40 clinically health non-pregnant women. Results: There was a decrease in mean haemoglobin of pregnant women during the trimester (11.20+) 1.88; 10.72+2.84; 10.47+2.24 g/dl). There was also a decrease in PCV (32.54+4.86; 30.30+9.64; 30.30+6.80%). The corresponding figures for non-pregnant women were 12.54+1.90g/dl and 35.35+2.00% respectively. The ESR in the pregnant group showed significant increase from the first to the third trimesters with a statistical significance at 5% (P = 0.005) and 1% (P=0.001) Confidence levels. The WBC total counts showed moderate increase from the first trimester with an increase in neutrophil count as the pregnancy advanced. Conclusion: Clinicians and related professionals should interpret the results of these parameters during pregnancy with caution. Key Words: Haematological Parameters, Haemoglobin, Leukocytes, Packed Cell Volume, Pregnancy, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rates. Jnl of Medical Investigation and Practice Vol.1 2000: 45-4