Haematological Profile of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy remains a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Haematological changes during gestation are physiologically normal, yet pathological deviations, particularly iron-deficiency anaemia, continue to complicate obstetric outcomes across the South East geopolitical zone. Limited undergraduate-level studies have characterised these parameters within Enugu State. Objectives: This study aims to assess full blood count parameters, including haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, and platelet count, among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Enugu State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design will be adopted. Two hundred pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters will be recruited from three public health facilities. Venous blood samples will be analysed using an automated haematology analyser. Questionnaires will capture dietary habits, parity, gestational age, and nutritional supplement use. Data will be analysed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS. Expected Outcomes: Haemoglobin levels are expected to decline with advancing gestational age, with a significant proportion of third-trimester participants meeting criteria for moderate anaemia. Conclusion: Findings will highlight trimester-specific haematological needs and support evidence-based antenatal supplementation programmes in South East Nigeria. Keywords: haematological profile, pregnancy, anaemia, antenatal, Enugu.