Evaluating the Hematological Profile of Pregnant Women and the Role of Folic Acid Supplementation in the Third Trimester

Abstract

Folic acid, the significant vitamin used as supplementation during the third trimester of pregnancy, if not provided in adequate amounts, can lead to chronic diseases. Neural tube development requires folic acid during gastrulation, and its deficiency may lead to the transformation of normal mucosa into a neoplastic condition. Objectives: To evaluate the pregnant woman's complete blood count (CBC) during the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: Twenty-four (n=24) females were selected for the study during their third trimester of pregnancy to assess their haematological profiles by taking folic acid as a supplement. A 3-cc blood sample from the median cubital vein was taken from these females, immediately transferred to yellow-capped vacutainers and stored in ice bags. The serum was separated by centrifugation at 1000-2000 rpm for 2 minutes. The supernatant was separated as serum and transferred into vials for diagnostic tests. Results: The study suggested that folic acid significantly affects the woman's Complete Blood Count (CBC) profile. In short, folic acid raises the values of CBC during the third trimester. Conclusions: Folic acid improves haematological parameters during pregnancy.