Effect of multiparity on electrolyte composition and blood pressure.

Pregnancy affects the physiology of the pregnant woman particularly the endocrine, cardiovascular and the renal systems. This work was therefore set to ascertain the state of electrolytes in pregnancy and how it affects blood pressure using multiparity as a factor. One hundred and twenty (120) women were used in this study. The non-pregnant groups were the nulliparous (control) and grand multiparous women who have stopped gestation (GMS) for at least five years. The pregnant groups were made up of 30 primigravidae (PG) and 30 grand multiparous (GMP). The pregnant groups (PG and GMP) were further divided into first, second and third trimesters. The subjects were aged matched with controls. Serum electrolytes (Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-)) were measured using standard methods. The results show that there was no significant difference in the electrolyte composition among the groups and between trimesters. There was also no significant difference in blood pressure among the groups and between trimesters in the pregnant groups irrespective of parity. Multiparity therefore may not pose any severe threat to health.