PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA DURING PREGNANCY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ADVERSE MATERNAL/NEONATAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: Anemia is one of the most common conditions that affect all age groups especially women of childbearing age. Anemia during pregnancy has multiple adverse effects both for the mother and the fetus.

Objective: To find the prevalence of maternal anemia and its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Material and Methods: This prospective cohort involved 430 pregnant women. Data included socio-demographic &obstetrical history, general physical examination and obstetrical ultrasound. Blood samples were collected from each participant for estimation of hemoglobin. According to WHO 2011 criteria, women with hemoglobin concentrations of <11 g/dl were declared anemic. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed for both mothers and babies. All data was processed through SPSS version 22.p value 0.05 was considered the level of significance.

Results: Out of the 430 participants, 168 (39%) were anemic and 262 (61%) were non-anemic. Adverse maternal outcomes were significantly different in both anemic group and non-anemic group regarding pregnancy-induced hypertension (50% compared to 20%); eclampsia (4% compared to 2%); ante -partum hemorrhage (20% compared to 12%); postpartum hemorrhage (35% compared to 10%) and blood transfusions (30% compared to 15%)(p˂0.05). conversely, the non-anemic group had a 26% caesarean section rate as compared to 10% in the anemic group (p=0.005).Adverse neonatal outcomes amongst the two groups such as abortions, preterm births small-for-gestational (SGA) and stillbirths were significantly associated with anemia (p˂0.05). Maternal mortality was not reported in any group.

Conclusion: Anemia in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Efforts are required to ensure awareness of effects of anemia on both mother and neonate along with improvement of maternal nutritional status.