Some aspects of coagulation and fibrinolysis in non-pregnant and pregnant Zambians.

Platelet counts, fibrinogen level, prothrombin time and the level of fibrinogen degradation products (F.D.P.) were studied in a group of Zambian women before pregnancy, during pregnancy, in labour and soon after delivery. The platelet count in the non-pregnant Zambian women were found to be lower than caucasian standard and there were significant falls in the platelet count in the second trimester of pregnancy, labour and after delivery. The fibrinogen level did not rise during pregnancy. The prothrombin time remained normal. The F.D.P. levels were found to be significantly higher in third trimester of pregnancy and after delivery than in labour. It is suggested that further study should be done of the other blood clotting factors which rise during pregnancy and the F.D.P. levels in the Zambian women.