Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in First and Third Trimester of Pregnancy

In this cross sectional study peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were estimated in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy and in third trimester of pregnancy, to observe the alteration in airflow rate during pregnancy. This cross sectional study carried out in the Department of Physiology of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2014 to June 2015. For this purpose, total 300 women with age ranged from 18 to 35 years without any recent history of respiratory diseases were selected and divided into 100 healthy non pregnant women as control group and 200 normal pregnant women as study group. Study group was further subdivided into 100 pregnant women in first trimester and 100 pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy. The PEFR was estimated by using mini version of Wrights peak flow meter. PEFR was measured during 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnant women and in non pregnant women. In this study, the PEFR significantly decreased both in first and third trimester of pregnancy than that of non pregnant women. Again the PEFR was significantly decreased in 3rd trimester of pregnancy than that of 1st trimester of pregnant women. It may be concluded that PEFR were significantly decreased in pregnancy, most likely due to the mechanical effects of progressively increased size of uterus that progressively decreases lung volumes and capacities.