December 19, 2013

Blood or Hematological changes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, there is increased vascularity of the enlarging uterus with the interposition of uteroplacental circulation.


Principal blood changes during pregnancy -



                                                 Non pregnant           Pregnancy             Changes
                                                                                near term

         Blood volume (ml.) -             4000                      5500                   + 30-40 %

       Plasma volume (ml.) -            2500                      3750                   + 40-50 %

      Red cell volume (ml.) -            1400                       1750                   + 20-30 %

    Total hemoglobin (gm) -             475                        560                     + 18-20 %

Hematocrit (whole body) -              38 %                      32 %                   Diminished


Important - 

  • There is increase in plasma volume which reduce the viscosity of blood and improves capillary blood.
  • As increase in plasma volume is greater than that of red blood cell mass, hemodilution occurs. It is characterized by a lowered RBC count and hemoglobin level.



Que.-  Why the high volume of blood is required in pregnancy ?

Ans.-  A higher circulating volume is required for the following functions -

  • To provide extra blood flow for placental circulation.
  • To supply the extra metabolic needs of the fetus.
  • To provide extra perfusion of kidney and other organs.
  • To compensate for blood loss at delivery.


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