PUERPERAL HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES

Abstract

Hematological indices were studied serially in 33 healthy women at 1 wk before delivery, during the first 6 days of the puerperium, and at 6 wk and at 6 mo. postpartum. Red cell count, Hb concentration and hematocrit decreased during the first 4 days of the puerperium; Hb concentrations up to 3.5 g/dl less than pre-delivery values were recorded in the absence of clinical postpartum hemorrhage. The 2nd puerperal day Hb concentration correlates most closely with the 6 wk postpartum value. A leukocytosis of > 20 .times. 109/l was found on the 1st puerperal day in 15% of the women studied.