Abstract
Aim: The study was aimed to evaluate and compare the pulmonary function in pregnant South Indian women at 36weeks and at full term of pregnancy.
Methodology: A total 60 pregnant women were assigned to two groups: study group I: 36weeks (30 nos) and study group II: full term pregnancy (30 nos) antenatal cases recruited from women who visited the OBG Dept. of PESIMSR hospital, during the period 2008-2009. Inclusion criteria were: healthy pregnant women with age group of 20-40 yrs and Exclusion criteria included, smokers, pre-eclampsia, hypertension, diabetes. Baseline pulmonary functions were recorded with a computerized spirometer “Winspiro”. The pulmonary function parameters evaluated were FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEV25-75%, PEFR AND MVV. Statistical analysis was done by “t” test method with SPSS software.
Results: All the pulmonary function parameters were increased except PEFR in group II as compared to group I but this was not statistically significant. The PEFR was increased in group II as compared to group I and this was statistically significant.
Conclusion: The PEFR was increased significantly in 36 weeks pregnancies, and should be interpreted carefully in pregnant women.

Key words: Pregnant women, pulmonary function, spirometry