1Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, IGIMS, Patna
2Associate Professor, Department of Obst. & Gynaec., IGIMS, Patna
3Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, IGIMS, Patna
4Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, IGIMS, Patna
5Senior Resident, Deptt. of Physiology, IGIMS, Patna
6Senior Resident, Deptt. of Biochemistry, IGIMS, Patna
7Professor & H.O.D, Deptt. of Physiology, IGIMS, Patna
*Corresponding author: Tarun Kumar Associate Professor, Deptt. Of Physiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences Sheikhpura, Patna-800014, Contact no. 9546995057, E mail: omtarun_2005@yahoo.com
Online published on 11 February, 2016.
The study was conducted to assess the physiological changes in the respiratory system during third trimester of pregnancy.
The study was conducted on 80 pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy (cases) and equal number of non-pregnant women (controls) from the same age group of 20 to 35 years. The parameters for pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were FVC, FEV1, PEFR and FEF 25–75%. A PC based Medspiror was used for recording of the parameters. The ratio of FEV1 and FVC was calculated.
All parameters were found to be declined in cases as compared to controls except FEV1/FVC. The decrease in FVC was less than the decrease in FEV1. Therefore FEV1/FVC was increased.
The study showed that continuous monitoring of PFTs is of great importance in maternal healthcare as cases of restriction and obstruction in lungs during pregnancy can be identified early and its deterioration can be prevented by proper management for safer outcome of the pregnancy.
FEV1/FVC, Medspiror, Pulmonary function tests
