Haematological values in pregnancy in Jos.

Blood samples taken from 270 women, 30 in first trimester of pregnancy, 90 in second trimester and 150 in third trimester, were analysed for haemoglobin (Hb) packed cell volume (pcv), white blood cell count (wbc) and differentials and platelet count. The values for 95%, range for first trimester was Hb 122 +/- 19.8, pcv .37 +/- .0568L/L, wbc 6.189 +/- 2.484 x 10(9)/L and platelet 200.428 +/- 101.828 x 10(9)/L, for the second trimester, Hb 117.5 +/- 25.2 g/L pcv .36 +/- .0706L/L, wbc 6.414 +/- 2.884 x 10(9)/L and platelet 189.168 +/- 101.828 x 10(9)/L, and for third trimester Hb 119.6 +/- 24 pcv .36 +/- .072L/L, wbc 7.119 +/- 2.356 x 10(9)/L and platelet 193.786 +/- 103.016 x 10(9)/L. These results were compared with those of 150 non-pregnant women whose haematological indices were Hb. 130.5 +/- 17.89g/L, pcv .3994 +/- .0716L/L, wbc 5.255 +/- 2.900 x 10(9)/L and platelet 242.600 +/- 105.416. These results show that there is a significant fall in Hb, pcv, and platelet in pregnancy, while wbc count shows a significant rise in pregnancy due to neutrophilia.