Change in Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Different Trimesters of Pregnancy

Objectives To observe the changes in PEFR with advancing pregnancy and to obtain set of normal values for healthy Pakistani woman. Subjects and Methods This study was conducted in department of physiology Ziauddin University. One hundred and nine subjects were included in the study. They were divided into group A (non pregnant), B (post partum) and C (pregnant). Group C further divided into I, II and Ill according to the trimester of pregnancy. Subjects with any respiratory disorder were excluded from the study. After elaborated instructions and explanation of procedure PEFR were recorded by using Wrights peak expiratory flow meter in sitting and standing positions. Out of five readings only one reading were selected as best. Results There was no any statistically significant difference seen in relation to age, weight, height and BMI in all groups. The PEFR was significantly reduced in females of 1st trimester and 3rd trimester, both in sitting and standing position when compared with controls and no significant reduction was seen in all trimesters of pregnancy, when compared with each other. Conclusion Peak expiratory flow rate was decreased in pregnant females both in sitting and standing positions. This may be due to poor socioeconomic status, abnormal nutritional hobbits and weakness of respiratory muscles in advancing pregnancy.