Assessment of Anaemia and Other Haematological Profiles of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern India

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most significant haematological transitions in pregnant women is physiological anaemia due to independent and heterogeneous fluctuations in plasma and red blood cell volumes. The phenomenon of haemodilution further add to lower haematocrit and haemoglobin rates, leading to pseudo anaemia. Various studies have been conducted to determine the hematologic profile of pregnant women in developed countries, but little is known in developing countries like India, particularly in the eastern India. Aims/ objective: To determine the prevalence of anaemia and other haematological profiles and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in tertiary care centre of eastern India. Materials and Method: Approximately 5 ml of venous blood was aseptically collected using EDTA tubes from each of the study participants. Blood samples were taken from each study participant. Evaluation of haematological parameters was done using an automated haematology analyser. Haematological parameters between 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy were compared using unpaired t-test. P-values of less than 0.05 were taken as to be indicator of statistically significant difference. Results: Mean white blood cell count has been shown to rise with gestational age. Mean values of MCV and MCH have been shown to rise with advancing gestational age. Accordingly, in the present study, 12 (5%) of study participants were anaemic (Haemoglobin <11g/dl). Prevalence of anaemia was more common in pregnant women of age less than 20, women of rural area and illiterate females. Out of 240 pregnant women, 34 were thrombocytopenic (Platelet count < 150 × 109/L) with a prevalence of 14.17%. Conclusion: Prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women visiting for ante-natal check-up was lower than community-based survey where awareness of ante-natal check-up is low. A complete blood count should be performed to diagnose and prevent anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and other possible hematologic abnormalities in pregnant mothers during prenatal care.