European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF SERUM LEVELS OF IRON AND MAGNESIUM IN SUDANESE PREGNANT WOMEN DURING THREE TRIMESTERS

Rasha Sir Al Khatim and Nassr Eldin M. A. Shrif*

ABSTRACT

Background: Trace elements progressively decreased during pregnancy. Objectives: The aims of this study were to measure serum levels of iron and magnesium in pregnant women during three trimesters and to compare them with those in non-pregnant women. Methods: In a case control study conducted during the period from March 2014 to October 2014, blood specimen was collected from 90 pregnant women, 30 of each trimester of pregnancy and control group of 50 non-pregnant healthy women and serum levels of iron and magnesium was measured using spectrophotometrical methods. The data were collected by using a direct interviewing questionnaire Data analysis was carried out by means of statistical package for social science (SPSS version 16). Results: Serum levels of iron were significantly increased in pregnant women than non-pregnant women but serum magnesium is significantly decreased in pregnant than non-pregnant women. Serum magnesium is significantly decreased in higher education level pregnant women compared to secondary and primary (p.value=0.02). Conclusion: There were no significant differences of serum levels of iron and magnesium between three trimesters. The serum levels of iron for non-pregnant women in the lower limit so should be take supplement or improve diet to prevent iron deficiency.

Keywords: Iron, Magnesium, Sudanese, Pregnancy, Trimester.