FREQUENCY OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY, AND ITSASSOCIATED MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Objective: Pregnancies are typically affected by anemia with an increased risk of adverse outcomes for both maternal and neonatal. The purpose of the present study was to determine the frequencies of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancies, and its maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 pregnant women in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fatima Hospital Baqai Medical University from January 2019 to January 2021. All pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia attending Fatima hospital at any trimester were enrolled. Patients were categorized into anemic (Hb<10 g/dL) and non-anemic (Hb> 10 g/dL) patients based on their Hb levels. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), placental abnormalities, sepsis (infection), and preeclampsia were different maternal outcomes. Low birth weight (LBW), prematurity, stillbirth, Small for gestational age (SGA), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) were different fetal outcomes. SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis.

Results: The overall mean age was 26.76±5.9 years. The mean Hb level was 8.76± 1.2 g/dL. Of the total 104, the frequency of anemic and non-anemic pregnant women was 93.3% (n=97) and 6.7% (n=7) respectively. The mean parity of pregnant women was 5 (±3). Out of 104, the frequency of mild, moderate, and severe anemia was 52.9% (n=55), 38.4% (n=40), and 8.7% (n=9) respectively. Of the 97 anemic pregnant women, the frequency of various maternal outcomes such as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), placental abnormalities, pre-eclampsia, and infection or sepsis was 29 (29.9%), 8 (8.2%), 58 (59.8%), and 2 (2.1%) respectively.

Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia in the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal