Comparative Cross-Sectional Analysis of Hematological Indices Between Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women at DHQ Teaching Hospital, Haripur

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon that requires appropriate prenatal care to ensure a good fetal-maternal result. The mother's and the growing fetus's general health throughout pregnancy are significantly influenced by the hematological parameters. The aim of the study was to compare the hematological parameters during various stages of pregnancy.

Method: Over the course of two months, from November 2023 to December 2023, 90 samples (70 pregnant women and 20 controls) were collected at DHQ Hospital at District Haripur. Through convenient sampling technique 02 to 03 ml venous blood samples were taken under aseptic conditions and automated hematological analyzers (Sysmex KX 21) were used for the analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Result: Our study finds that WBCs count increase in pregnant women which is up to 9.2 x 103/µl which have been seen to vary during pregnancy is compared to non-pregnant women who’s WBCs count were 8.3 x 103/µl and Red Blood Cells index like red cell count, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular volume. Hematocrit levels (HCT) were lower in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women, while platelet counts showed slight to moderate variations, with a count of 247 x 10³/µl in pregnant women and 249 x 10³/µl in non-pregnant women.

Conclusion: According to the current study, anemia is widespread among 3rd Trimester stage in pregnant women. For the mother's and the fetus's growth, balance and a nutritious diet are therefore strongly advised during the whole trimester.