Influence of Maternal Factors on Hematological Parameters of Healthy Newborns of Karachi

Background: This study was conducted to observe the effects on cord blood CBC parameters of newborns of delivery routes (by spontaneous vaginal and caesarean section), maternal age and parity in our setup. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on cord blood sample of 404 newborns (271 delivered by spontaneous vaginally and 133 by elective caesarean section), and their mothers from July 2006 to April 2008. Three millilitre venous blood was collected in EDTA containing tube for complete blood count of mother before delivery of the baby. Immediately after the delivery of the baby, the umbilical cord was clamped and 5 ml cord blood was taken from the umbilical vein and transferred into an EDTA containing tube for CBC analysis. The data entry and analysis was done on computer package SPSS (Statistical Packages of Social Sciences) version 12.0. In all statistical analysis, only p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Haemoglobin, Red blood cell indices were found to be higher in vaginally delivered than caesarean section delivered babies (p<0.001). Total leukocyte and neutrophils were also higher in vaginally born as compared to babies born by caesarean section (p<0.001). Primiparous mothers have high haemoglobin, haematocrit and MCV whereas total leukocyte count and neutrophils were found to be lower in multiparous women. Conclusion: Mode of delivery and parity does have an influence on cord blood CBC parameters while maternal age has no effect.