A prospective study of some micronutrients in socioeconomic group of women with their progressive pregnancy

Abstract

Background and Aim: Pregnancy is a very dynamic physiologic condition in which the female mammals undergo several hemodynamic, biochemical and hematological modifications. Hence the present research was designed with an intention to evaluate the biochemical status of six parameters such as Calcium, hemoglobin, phosphorus, bilirubin, ALP and iron levels across the three trimesters of pregnancy.

Methods: Samples from a total of 90 pregnant patients from the Out Patient Department were collected for the study. The serum was analysed for calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, iron, bilirubin and hemoglobin analysis was done on the spot at the OPD by using Sahli's hemoglobinometer and hence readings were obtained from record.

Results: The mean age of pregnant women in first, second and third trimester were found 2.67±0.47, 5.02±0.75, and 7.6±0.81 respectively. No significant changes were observed in calcium level in all the trimester. The phosphorus level was decreased (p=0.00002) and hemoglobin level was increased (p=0.005) in second trimester in our study population. The bilirubin level was significantly decreased in second and third trimester (p=0.02). The iron content was significantly increased (p=0.0001) in second trimester. The alkaline phosphatase concentration in significantly increased (p=0.008) in second and third trimester.

Conclusion: Evidences suggested that low hemoglobin levels and anaemia can together cause still birth, preterm birth and lead to low birth weight. Calcium depletion in the mother can lead to osteoporosis in the near future. Also increased or decreased levels of various parameters in pregnancy across the three trimesters can cause multiple complications both pre- and post-labor.