Haematological profile of healthy pregnant women in Ibadan, South-western Nigeria

SummaryThere is a dearth of information on the reference values for haematological indices particularly according to the relevant trimesters of pregnant women in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to provide reference values for Nigerian pregnant women. The study took place at the Adeoyo Maternity Hospital and the University College Hospital, both in Ibadan. This descriptive study was carried out over a period of 8 months. Subjects were apparently healthy pregnant women that satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean values (and 95% confidence intervals, CI) of haematological indices were as follows:First trimester: Haemoglobin (Hb) 112.44 (101.64 – 123.25) g/l, haematocrit (hct) 35 (32 – 38)%, WBC 5.488 (4.025 – 6.950)×109/l and platelet counts 227.56 (165.21 – 289.90)×109/l;Second trimester: Hb 100.39 (97.85 – 102.92) g/l, hct 29.3 (28.5 – 30.1)%, WBC 6.57 (6.19 – 6.95)×109/l, platelet count 229.56 (211.86 – 247.26); and theThird trimester: Hb 98.06 (96.12 – 100.00) g/l, hct 29.4 (28...