Haematological Profile of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Bauchi, Nigeria

Introduction: Haematological profile of pregnant women provides vital information on physiological changes in pregnancy progress, outcome and possible maternal-foetal complications. The study assessed the haematological profile of pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinic of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi between July and September 2018 among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. Study participant was recruited on voluntary basis and study questionnaire and informed consent administered. Blood samples are collected and analysed using System x haematology autoanalyser. Result: A total of 191 study participants comprised of 141 pregnant women at different trimester stages and 50 non-pregnant. Mean haematocrit, haemgloblin, white blood count and platelet count of 35.8 ± 9.0, 11.6 ± 1.6, 7.7 ± 5.7, and 234.0 ± 74.6 respectively. Significant difference was observed between pregnant and non-pregnant women in neutrophil (0.016), mixed (eosinophil, basophil and monocyte, 0.05), lymphocyte (0.000), platelets (0.002) and RDWSD (0.025). Comparing haematological profile with trimester stages, significant association was observed with white blood cells count and mixed cell counts. Conclusion: The reduction in mean white blood cells count and increased haemocrit concentration with the trimester stages contradict patterns in other similar studies. This further highlights the need for local data for early diagnosis of pregnancy-associated clinical conditions and management approach.