Effect of Pregnancy on Hematological Parameters among Sudanese Women Attending Maternity Hospital in Dongola, Sudan
Eman Awad Alkarim Ahmed Al Kedir
Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, Hayatt University College, Sudan International University, Sudan.
Fatima Yasir Abdalrahman Mozmel
Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, Hayatt University College, Sudan International University, Sudan.
Mona El Hussain El Badri Hassan
Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, Hayatt University College, Sudan International University, Sudan.
Swlara Alsmani Mohammed Basher
Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, Hayatt University College, Sudan International University, Sudan.
Yassin Hamza Yassin Arabi
Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Al-Neelain University, Sudan.
Muslih Haroun Elhussien Gamea *
Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, Sudan International University, Sudan.
Elnour Blkamin Coortkila Dldoom
Department of Medical Parasitology, Al-Neelain University, Sudan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Pregnancy is a normal physiological state but requires proper prenatal care to ensure positive health outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. It is a natural physiological condition that leads to significant changes in a woman's body, which become more pronounced as pregnancy progresses. The study aims to evaluate the Effect of pregnancy on some haematological parameters among Sudanese Pregnant Women Attending at Maternity Hospital in Dongola, Sudan, 2025. The study was conducted in Dongola City, Northern State, Sudan. A total of 100 blood samples were collected from adult Sudanese women. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire designed to include all necessary information about the participants. A Mindray BC-3000 plus Haematology Analyser was used to perform the complete blood count (CBC). White blood cell (WBC) counts were significantly higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women (p < 0.001), which aligns with physiological leukocytosis commonly observed during pregnancy due to hormonal and immunological changes. Neutrophil counts were also significantly elevated in pregnant women (p < 0.001), supporting the notion of increased innate immune activity during gestation. Lymphocyte and monocyte-eosinophil counts were significantly lower in pregnant women (p < 0.001), which may reflect the immunomodulatory shifts necessary to tolerate the fetal allograft. Haemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell (RBC) counts were lower in pregnant women; the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Platelet counts were significantly lower in pregnant women (p = 0.005), although most values remained within the normal range. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between age and WBCs and neutrophils, while lymphocyte count was negatively correlated with age. This suggests that age-related immune alterations may further modulate haematological profiles during pregnancy. This study concludes that pregnancy induces significant haematological changes among Sudanese women, particularly increased WBCs and neutrophils, and decreased platelets, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. These findings highlight the importance of routine haematological monitoring during pregnancy to detect potential complications early and guide timely interventions.
Keywords: Pregnancy, haematological monitoring, red blood cells, nutritional deficiencies