Haemoglobin Concentration and Oxygen Saturation in Pregnant Women with Malaria in Ahoada, Rivers State

Malaria during pregnancy is associated with serious haematological consequences that can jeopardise both maternal and foetal outcomes. This study assessed haemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation in pregnant women with and without confirmed malaria infection in Ahoada, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Eighty pregnant women diagnosed with confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria by thick blood film microscopy were compared with 40 malaria-negative pregnant women of similar gestational age and parity. Haemoglobin was measured by the cyanmethaemoglobin method, and peripheral oxygen saturation was assessed using a pulse oximeter. Gestational age, gravidity, and intermittent preventive treatment uptake were documented. Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square were applied. Results showed that malarial pregnant women had significantly lower haemoglobin concentrations and oxygen saturation compared to controls. Anaemia prevalence was 67.5 percent among malaria-infected participants compared to 22.5 percent in controls. Oxygen saturation below 95 percent was detected in 16.3 percent of malaria-positive women. Those not receiving intermittent preventive treatment had the worst haematological outcomes. The study concludes that malaria infection significantly worsens haematological indices during pregnancy in Rivers State. Universal intermittent preventive treatment, insecticide-treated bed net distribution, and iron supplementation are critical for pregnant women in endemic areas. Keywords: malaria in pregnancy, haemoglobin, oxygen saturation, anaemia, Rivers State.