Association of Hemoglobin during First Trimester and its Relation to Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension in Indian Women

Abstract

Background and Aim: Globally, prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is 3-5% and in India it is around 5-15%. PIH is one of the major factors responsible for abnormal pregnancy outcome along with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Role of hemoglobin is the key factor for pregnancy outcome and development of hypertension during pregnancy. This study was done with aim to check the relation of maternal hemoglobin with blood pressure and development of PIH in Indian women of 20 to 30 years of age group. Methods: A cross sectional multicentric study was done after approval of Institutional Ethics Committee. A total 200 pregnant female visiting to antenatal clinics in age group of 20 to 30 years were enrolled after their written voluntary consent. Participant’s body weight, hemoglobin, along with pulse rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were done during 1st antenatal visit at first trimester, during next visit at 2nd trimester between 20th to 24th weeks and between 25th to 28th weeks during third trimester. During 1st antenatal visit participants were categorized into two groups with hemoglobin less than 10 gm% and hemoglobin more than 10 gm% comprising 100 participants in each group. Progress of pregnancy was documented very well during subsequent next visit. All participants had visited antenatal clinic till delivery as per instructions given to them. Pregnancy outcomes were documented very well up to 6 week of delivery. Results: In participants of both groups, progressive increases in weight, hemoglobin, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure were seen. A statistical significant difference in weight was seen in both groups during all trimester. A statistical significant difference in diastolic blood pressure was seen in both groups during 2nd trimester. Total 17 participants developed PIH, out of which 10 participants were from group 1, i.e. hemoglobin less than 10 gm% and 7 from group 2 with haemoglobin more than 10 gm%. Conclusion: In the present study, role of maternal hemoglobin in development of pregnancy induced hypertension is not seen.