Related Experiment Videos
PEFR in pregnancy: a longitudinal study
B M Puranik1, G A Kurhade, S B Kaore
1Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Nagpur.
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) in pregnant women decline during gestation and increase postpartum. Anemia is associated with lower PEFR, but the declining trend remains consistent.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background:
- Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a measure of pulmonary function.
- Changes in respiratory mechanics occur during pregnancy.
- Limited data exists on PEFR trends throughout pregnancy in Indian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess monthly changes in PEFR during pregnancy and postpartum.
- To investigate the correlation of PEFR with gestational age and weight gain.
- To compare PEFR in anemic versus non-anemic pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study measuring PEFR monthly in 60 pregnant women using Wright's Peak Flow Meter.
- Data collected from the 3rd month of gestation through postpartum (8-10 weeks).
- Statistical analysis included regression and correlation with weight and other pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1).
Main Results:
- PEFR significantly declined from 329.12 lpm in the 3rd month to 286.22 lpm in the 9th month of gestation.
- Postpartum PEFR increased to 347.86 lpm.
- PEFR showed a regression rate of 6.68 lpm/month of gestation and 5.49 lpm/kg weight gain.
- No significant correlation was found between PEFR and FVC or FEV1.
- Anemic pregnant women had lower PEFR but a similar declining trend.
Conclusions:
- PEFR decreases progressively during pregnancy in Indian women, with recovery postpartum.
- Gestational age and weight gain are significant factors influencing PEFR decline.
- Anemia may exacerbate the reduction in PEFR during pregnancy.