Serum sodium and potassium levels in pregnant women from Minjibir local government, Kano – Nigeria

Abstract

Blood samples collected from one hundred and twenty(120) pregnant women attending ante-natal care services in Minjibir General Hospital, Minjibir local government of Kano State and fourty(40) non-pregnant women as control were analysed for serum Na and K levels. The level of sodium in the blood samples range from 122mmol/L to 151mmol/L. The amount of potassium varied from 2.4mmol/L to 5.2mmol/L. The results show disturbance in the electrolytes in some of the pregnant women as the levels were not within the normal range (Na: 135mmol/L - 145mmol/L and K: 3.5 – 5.0mmol/L). The disturbance may be due to some reasons such as vomitting, low fluid intake, drugs and malnutrition.