Haematological Indices during Pregnancy and Foetal Outcome

Research has shown that the haematological profile of a pregnant woman has an impact on pregnancy outcome. With this in mind, this book outlines the findings of a study which was conducted to determine the effect of iron on changes in haemoglobin concentration throughout pregnancy and the subsequent impact on foetal outcome. Primigravid women attending the Antenatal Clinic in the Obsterics and Gynaecology department at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica; with ages ranging from 15 - 25 years participated in the study. Blood samples collected from all participants in the first, second and third trimesters were used to determine complete blood count, serum ferritin and serum iron concentration, total iron binding capacity and transferrin saturation. The results obtained indicate that the changes that occur in the iron status parameters, the haemoglobin concentration and hence their effect on foetal outcome during normal pregnancy are trimester specific. This indicates that the parameters both independently and cooperatively can have an impact on foetal outcome. The findings should therefore be useful to pregnant women, their caregivers and researchers.