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Red cell distribution width (RDW) changes in pregnancy
H A Shehata1, M M Ali, J C Evans-Jones
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mayday University Hospital, Surrey, United Kingdom. hshehata@sghms.ac.uk
Summary
Red cell distribution width (RDW) significantly increases in the final weeks of pregnancy, suggesting heightened bone marrow activity. This finding may indicate RDW as a potential marker for impending labor.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Establishing normative data for hematological parameters during pregnancy is crucial for maternal health monitoring.
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the variation in red blood cell size, reflecting erythropoietic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a normogram for red cell distribution width (RDW) in healthy pregnant women.
- To longitudinally track changes in RDW throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 121 healthy pregnant women.
- RDW measurements were taken at 16 weeks gestation, 34 weeks gestation, during labor, and at 3 and 7 days postpartum.
- Statistical analysis included two-way analysis of variance to assess changes in RDW.
Main Results:
- RDW showed a significant increase (P < 0.0001) between 34 weeks gestation and the onset of labor.
- No significant RDW changes were observed between 16 and 34 weeks gestation.
- RDW levels remained stable during the first 7 days postpartum.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first longitudinal data on RDW changes within and between pregnant women.
- The observed RDW increase in late pregnancy suggests increased bone marrow activity, possibly in preparation for labor.
- RDW may serve as a valuable indicator of impending parturition.