ANALYSIS OF METABOLIC ADAPTATIONS DURING PREGNANCY AMONG FEMALES OF PAKISTAN

Introduction: Human pregnancy is characterized by alterations in maternal lipid metabolism, which could be divided into 2 phases: an anabolic phase and a catabolic phase. The anabolic phase occurs in the first 2 trimesters of human gestation and is attributed to several factors that cooperatively increase the deposition of lipids in maternal tissues. Aims and objectives: The basic aim of the study is to assess the metabolic changes during pregnancy among local female population of Pakistan. Methodology of the study: This study was conducted at DHQ Hospital, Bhakkar during January 2018 to May 2018. We collected the data from 100 pregnant females who visited the hospital regularly. In this cross sectional study we design a questionnaire regarding metabolic changes during pregnancy. We also conduct some interviews to find the daily intake of nutrients and daily changes of metabolic level among pregnant women. Results: The level of glycated hemoglobin was significantly higher in the overweight and obese groups than in normal weight and underweight groups (P < 0.05). In addition, birth weight was significantly higher in overweight or obese women than in underweight women (P < 0.05). Human placental lactogen increases progressively throughout pregnancy. Conclusion: It is concluded that the rapid rate of fetal growth during the last half of gestation dictates changes in basal metabolism, protein, and mineral accretions. About 60% of the increase in basal metabolic rate (BMR) occurs during the last half of gestation, when the metabolic cost of fetal tissue synthesis is the greatest