| Popis: |
Background : Study of respiratory functions of four groups of women: Nonpregnant, early pregnancy, singleton pregnancy at 36 weeks and twin/polyhydramnios at 36 weeks reveal that inspiratory capacity (IC), tidal volume (TV) and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) in different group pairing have statistically signicant difference. This is very important during the assessment of pregnant mother suffering from respiratory or cardiopulmonary disorder. Objectives :This study aims to observe the additional demands placed on the maternal respiratory system in cases of advanced normal pregnancy or over distended uterus, like multifetal gestation and polyhydramnios, and whether the average Indian woman is able to cope with these respiratory changes. Methods : Around 80 women were divided into four equal groups which included non-pregnant controls, normal early pregnancy (< 20 weeks), normal singleton pregnancy at 36 weeks and multifetal gestation/polyhydramnios, underwent spirometry for static lung volume measurement. The overall comparison was done by using the Kruskal-Wallis test whereas the individual comparison by Mann-Whitney test. Final statistical computing was performed with SPSS statistical package. Results : The groups were comparable on the basis of age, height and hemoglobin levels. Comparisons of various groups show statistically signicant difference in tidal volume, inspiratory capacity and expiratory reserve volume specially in advance pregnancy with control nonpregnant mothers without signicant adverse effect on respiratory system. Conclusions : Results of the study indicate that though there are signicant respiratory functional changes, healthy women, even having twin/polyhydramnios, can tolerate this well. But this knowledge is very important to assess and to formulate management of pregnant women with respiratory or cardiopulmonary compromise. |
