Evaluation of haematological indices, neutrophils and platelets in pregnant women attending tertiary care centre

The present study was undertaken keeping in view the fact that pregnancy produces several changes in the haematological profile of women. It has been documented by many workers that these changes are fairly significant and hence it was theorized that they could be used to predict the onset of unfavorable circumstances during the various phases of pregnancy. The objective of the study was to analyze these changes especially in neutrophils and platelets and to determine their usefulness as surrogate markers for impending pathological changes during pregnancy.

This case-control design study included 400 healthy pregnant women sub-divided into three groups 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, and 400 healthy non pregnant women. Questionnaire interviews were applied Hematological profiles were assessed. Data were computer analyzed using SPSS program version 18.

The present study is a cross sectional design. The study population comprised 400 normal pregnant women and 400 healthy non pregnant women (control group). Neutrophils are significantly increased in pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women and Platelet count of the study population was a significant decrease in platelet count in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.

1. The mean ages of controls and pregnant women in the first, second and third trimesters. 2. Unemployment and lower family income were more prevalent among pregnant women. 3. Medical history of the study population showed that the frequency of the previous pregnancy in controls was significantly lower than that in cases. 4. White blood cells and neutrophils were progressively increased whereas lymphocyte count, RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCHC and platelet were decreased in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women as pregnancy advanced.