Comparison of both static and dynamic pulmonary function test parameters in Indian pregnant and non-pregnant women

Pregnancy is a physiological stressful condition accompanied by an increased cellular activity to fulfill the requirement of rapidly developing embryo & subsequent fetal growth. Hence, it was proposed to estimate the degree of alteration in pulmonary function during pregnancy in South Indian population.

Uncomplicated singleton pregnancies in 1st, 2nd & 3rd trimesters (n=10 in each group) along with healthy parous non pregnant age matched control (n=10) were included in this study. Pulmonary function tests were carried out in subjects using computerized spirometer & finally data were collected. Results were analysed by ANOVA taking p<0.05 as statistically significant.

Present study showed significant increase in inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), inspiratory capacity (IC) & vital capacity (VC) in pregnant women as compared to controls. But expiratory reserve volume (ERV) & peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were decreased significantly in study group. On the other hand, tidal volume (TV) & FEV1/FVC ratio were not significantly altered between pregnant & non-pregnant women.

In view of these observations it can be concluded that pregnancy leads to physiological alteration in the lung function parameters of a woman as a consequence of mechanical as well as complex hormonal factors which are reversible but not compromised as such due to progressive distension of gravid uterus.