Clinical Review of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Different Trimester of Pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Women play a pivot role in the family andsociety. Pregnancy constitutes one of the most severe states ofphysiological adaptation. This study was carried out to assessthe flow rate during pregnancy and compare with those ofnon-pregnant women.Material and methods: In this study 120 pregnant womenwithin the age group of 20 years to 40 years, from differenttrimester of pregnancy without having any cardio-respiratorydiseases were selected. Forty non-pregnant women of sameage group were taken as control.Results: The present study clearly indicates that there isgradual decrease of peak expiratory flow rate compared withthe control group, which is significantly marked from first tosecond trimester, but this decline is not very much markedfrom second to third trimester of pregnancy. This may be dueto enlarging gravid uterus, increased progesterone, whichcause relaxation of smooth muscle.Conclusion: Thus the above informations useful for reportingof PFT, better antenatal care, assessment of fitness foranaesthesia, progress of pre-existing lung diseases whichultimately confirms diagnosis and to start treatment.