A Comparative Study on Serum Level of Iron, Transferrin during Pregnancy and Post-Partum Period.

ABSTRACT

Backgrounds and Objectives: Although anaemia has the highest prevalence during Pregnancy, it is common throughout the reproductive cycle. Our study presents a composite picture of haemoglobin (Hb), serum level of iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and percentage iron saturation of transferrin in women during different trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum period. Material and Method: Our study was performed on a total of 100 subjects. 20 from each trimester and 15 post-partal were studied and compared with 25 non-pregnant normal subjects (controls) with age-group between 16-40 years. Results and Interpretation: We observed throughout pregnancy signs of increased iron demand, increased iron turnover and iron deficiency. They were demonstrated by decrease in haemoglobin. serum iron, percentage iron saturation of transferrin and increased TIBC. Conclusion: Thus, serum iron and total iron binding capacity are the good indices for determining the iron status and they provide us an opportunity to replenish iron stores of the pregnant mother at an earlier date thus preventing iron deficiency anaemia.