HEMATOLOGICAL VARIABLES OF THE PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE FIRST AND SECOND TRIMESTER IN A SECONDARY HEALTH INSTITUTION

Abstract

During pregnancy, Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC) parameters change due to the demands of the developing fetus, alterations in plasma volume, and various physiological factors. These hematological changes can affect the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, which is vital for the health of both the pregnant woman and the fetus. This study compares CBC parameters of women from the Shomolu community during their first and second trimesters. Blood samples (5ml) were collected during routine prenatal visits, and CBC parameters such as red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit values, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts were measured using a hematological analyzer. The study involved 149 women, with a mean age of 30.97 years and a standard deviation of 5.80. While variations in hematological parameters were observed between the first and second trimesters, only the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) showed a statistically significant difference. A decrease in MCH may indicate changes in iron metabolism, suggesting the need to monitor iron status closely, as iron deficiency can affect hemoglobin synthesis. Understanding these variations and gestational influences on hematological parameters enables more accurate clinical interpretations and the development of tailored health strategies.