Abstract
BackgroundComplete blood count is one of the routinely advised blood investigation during pregnancy. It is also utilized as a diagnostic tool for neonatal anemia, sepsis and determining hemostatic status of the newborn. The present study aims at estimating the complete blood count of maternal and umbilical cord blood at the time of delivery and to establish its correlation.MethodThis cross sectional study included 114 mothers and their healthy neonates born through normal vaginal delivery. Complete blood count of umbilical cord blood and maternal blood was estimated using automatic hematology analyzer.ResultsThe mean maternal and neonatal hemoglobin concentration was 11.14 ± 1.39 g/dL and 16.34 ± 2.01 g/dL respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between maternal and fetal hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001 and Pearson R = 0.496). The correlation between maternal and fetal WBC, RBC and Platelet count was not statistically significant. A significant positive correlation was found between maternal and fetal MCV and MCH while PCV showed a non-significant positive correlation.ConclusionThere was moderately positive correlation between maternal and fetal hemoglobin, MCV and MCH. The cord blood hemoglobin was lower in babies born to anemic mothers. The decrease in hemoglobin followed the severity of anemia, however, the correlation did not exist in anemic mothers. It suggested that fetal hematological parameters are not reflective of maternal hemogram.
Highlights
Complete blood count is one of the routinely advised blood investigation during pregnancy
The result presented here affirms the existence of variations in red cell indices of umbilical cord blood reported for Pokhara valley of Nepal
The result showed no significant correlation between total white blood cell count of mother with that of the fetus (p > 0.01)
Summary
Complete blood count is one of the routinely advised blood investigation during pregnancy. Maternal physiology endures several alterations in hematological parameters with an average rise of 40–50% in blood and plasma volume during pregnancy [1]. This hemodilution produces pronounced effect in hematocrit values. Complete blood count is the most commonly advised blood investigation It is often the first step in evaluating hematologic function and diagnosis of related diseases [2]. Hematopoiesis occurs in different parts of the developing fetus. It starts initially in the embryonic yolk sack migrating to the fetal
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
