PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND ITS EFFECT ON MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES: A HOSPITAL-BASED OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Anemia in pregnancy, maternal outcomes, fetal outcomes, hemoglobin levels, low birth weight
Abstract
Anemia during pregnancy remains a critical public health challenge in India, significantly affecting maternal and fetal health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women and evaluate its impact on maternal and fetal outcomes.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gian Sagar Hospital & Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, from March 2023 to August 2023. A total of 145 pregnant women were enrolled using consecutive sampling technique. Hemoglobin estimation was performed using an automated hematology analyzer, and participants were classified as non-anemic (≥11.0 g/dL), mildly anemic (10.0-10.9 g/dL), moderately anemic (7.0-9.9 g/dL), or severely anemic (<7.0 g/dL) based on WHO criteria. Maternal outcomes including mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and puerperal sepsis, along with fetal outcomes including birth weight, gestational age, Apgar scores, NICU admissions, and perinatal mortality were documented. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, employing chi-square test and independent t-test with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of anemia was 78.6%, with 31.0% having mild, 40.0% moderate, and 7.6% severe anemia. Anemia severity was significantly associated with increased cesarean section rates (p=0.003), postpartum hemorrhage (p<0.001), preeclampsia (p=0.042), puerperal sepsis (p=0.002), low birth weight (p<0.001), preterm delivery (p=0.003), low Apgar scores (p<0.001), NICU admissions (p<0.001), and perinatal mortality (p=0.001).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of anemia and its significant association with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes necessitates strengthened anemia prevention and management strategies through early screening, improved supplementation compliance, and targeted interventions for high-risk populations.
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Dr Pooja Gehlot
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gian Sagar Hospital & Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India.