IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS) e-ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Volume 1, Issue 4 (May – Jun. 2013), PP 11-15 www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 11 | Page Hematological profile of anemic pregnant women attending antenatal hospital Sharma P. 1 , Nagar R. 2 1 Research Scholar, Department of Home Science, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 2 Professor, Department of Home Science, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur Abstract : Objective : To study the hematological profile of anemic pregnant women who were attending antenatal hospital. Material and Methods : Pregnant women who had hemoglobin value of < 11gm were selected. Total 66 anemic pregnant women were enrolled for the study.. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect general information. Blood samples were collected by qualified technician for hematological estimation. Results : Out of total 66 anemic pregnant women who participated, 11 (16%) belong to age group <20, 36 (54%) belong to 20-25 and 19 (30%) were from > 25 years. Out of 66, 28 (42%) belong to primi gravidae, 26 (39%) multigravidae and 12 (19%) belong to grand multi gravidae. Among 66 participants, 40.92% were mild anemic, 54.54% were moderate and 4.54% were severe anemic. Other hematological parameters like RBC, MCV, HCT, MCHC, MCH were also below the normal range. Conclusion: There is a need to monitor hematological parameters during pregnancy and thereby improve the outcome of pregnancy. Key Words : Pregnancy, Hematological parameters, Anemia, gravidae. I. Introduction: Anemia is defined as the most common hematological disorder during pregnancy having decreased hemoglobin level or circulating red blood cells. Inadequate intake or absorption of iron in conjunction with blood loss during pregnancy may contribute to anemia 1 . Anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. WHO has estimated that prevalence of anemia in pregnant women was found 14% in developed, 51% in developing countries and 65-75% in India. About one third of the global population (over 2 billion) is anemic. Prevalence of anemia in all the groups is higher in India as compared to other developing countries. 2 The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that hemoglobin ideally should be maintained at or above 11.0 g/dl, and should not be allowed to fall below 10.5 g/dl in the second trimester. 3 Anemia contributes to low birth weight and miscarriages and it is also a primary cause of low immunity of both the mother and the child, which make them vulnerable to several insfections. 4 Iron absorption during pregnancy is determined by the amount of iron in diet, its bioavailability (meal composition) and the changes in iron absorption that occurs during pregnancy. Iron requirements are greater in pregnancy than in non-pregnant stage. Although iron requirements are reduced in 1st trimester because of absence of menstruation these raised steadily thereafter as high as > 10 mg/day 5 . Pregnancy is one of the most and unique periods of women’s life cycle. Though it is the most exciting period of expectations and fulfillments, but it is a condition of great stress because many anabolic activities takes place and foetal growth is accomplished extensive changes in maternal body composition and metabolism. Maternal nutrition is the most important determinant influence during the development of foetus. Poor nutritional status during pregnancy is associated with inadequate weight gain, anemia, retarded foetal growth low birth weight, still births, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, morbidity and mortality rates . 6 The hematological status in pregnant women can be analyzed by collection of blood samples during each of three trimesters, measuring different variables such as Packed Cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin concentration. 7 The study was aimed to determine the hematological profile of anemic pregnant women who were attending antenatal hospital. II. Materials and Methods: A total of 66 anemic pregnant women who were attending antenatal hospital, willing to participate were selected randomly for this study. Prior permission from ethical committee of the hospital was taken. Data was collected through standardized questionnaire. Standardized techniques were used for the biochemical estimations. Blood samples were collected by qualified technician. Venous blood samples were drawn from