This rural based cross sectional study was carried out to compare the Pulmonary Function test (PFT) parameters like FEV1 & PEFR between first, second and third trimester of pregnancy and to find out whether any correlation exists between hemoglobin % & pulmonary function tests in pregnant women.
126 subjects were enrolled in the study comprising 31 subjects each of first and second trimesters and 34 subjects in third trimester. 30 subjects were included in control group. The selected subjects from said age groups were divided into following groups. Group A -31 subjects between 1st week to 13 weeks of gestation, from the rural population. Group B-31 subjects between 14th to 24th weeks of gestation, from the same rural population. Group C: -34 subjects between 24th to 36 weeks of gestation, from the same rural population. Group D: Control group-Normal non-pregnant women from the same rural population. Their Pulmonary Function like FEV1 and PEFR was tested in sitting position with computerized RMS Medspiror. The statistical analysis of the study was done using one way ANOVA, Dunnet T test and Tukey Test.
There was a significant decrease in FEV1% observed with p value at p <0.05. There was also a decrease in PEFR with p value at p <0.05.
This study gives an overall idea of normal lung function values in pregnant women of rural India. The values obtained may help in setting up of exercise protocols of Indian rural pregnant women.
PFT, Pregnant Women, Rural Area
