Kirkuk Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background and objective: Pregnancy is characterized by profound changes in almost every organ system to accommodate the demands of the fetoplacental unit. Hematologic system is one of these systems and should adapt in a number of ways. This study, attempted to assess the effect of pregnancy on the hematological indices and compare these indices at different stages of pregnancy with non- pregnant women. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in different medical health centers in Erbil, Iraq from 1 st April 2016 to 31st January 2017. (139) apparently healthy pregnant women aged from (16-46) years, were recruited into the study as a case group, and (104) healthy non pregnant aged from (19-46) years as a control group. Venous blood was collected from each subject. Complete blood count was estimated by automated hematological analyzer. Results: Study group showed statistical difference in RBC count, hematocrit, MCH, WBC count, monocyte %, granulocyte % and platelet count at (p< 0.0.5) between pregnant and non pregnant women. Significant differences were observed in some of the hematological parameters among the three TMs. Conclusion: Normal pregnancy can alter hematological indices and also affected by different pregnancy stages.