Comparison Of Respiratory Rate And Tidal Volume In The Three Trimesters Of Pregnancy

Abstract

Objectives: (1) To measure Respiratory Rate and Tidal Volume in normal pregnant women. (2) To compare the changes in these parameters during the course of pregnancy. Materials and methods: The study group comprised of 90 subjects (pregnant mothers) in all the three trimesters of pregnancy attending a tertiary care hospital. They were divided into three groups as per the trimesters, 30 subjects in each. Respiratory rate & Tidal volume were recorded using a spirometer. Results: The results tabulated and statistically analyzed by Two-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons to compare the values between groups. The respiratory rate was not increased in the different trimesters whereas, Tidal volume was found to be elevated throughout. Conclusion: Pregnancy is associated with respiratory changes of which changes in Tidal Volume has significant association with the different trimesters of pregnancy.