Biochemical Changes In The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy Of Women Attending Antenatal At Our Saviours Hospital, Olokoro, Umuahia:- Nnukwu, Godline C

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy is a period from fertilization to development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. This research project is aimed at determining the biochemical changes in pregnant women at the third trimester attending “Our savior Hospital”, Olokoro, Umuahia. A total of 40 participants were enrolled in the study, Thirty Eight (38) pregnant women and 2 non-pregnant women (controls) between the age of 15-45 years were recruited to participate in the study.Using a syringe and needle, about 5 mL of blood samples were asceptically collected into lithium-heparin bottle and plain bottle respectively. Blood samples were transported to the laboratory under cold chain. The blood samples collected in plain container were allowed to clot and was centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 10 minutes and the clear non haemolysed serum were harvested and aliquot into cryovials and stored at 2-6°C pending analysis.Liver and Kidney function tests were analyzed using Sysmex chemistryautomated analyzer (NY, USA) following the manufacturer'soperational guidelines. All samples forbiochemical analysis were analyzed within 30minutes of collection. The result showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, ALP, urea and creatinine in pregnant women, except SGOT and SGPT which fall within clinical range.