5. Anemia among Antenatal Women: Prevalence, Severity and Associated Risk Factors

Dr. Mary Jayasheela, Dr. A.R.Vijaya Lakshmi, Dr. Shirisha Ch, Dr. Kamineni Aswini, Dr. Mallikarjuna Reddy C.

IRPMS, 2015; 1(2): 17-22.
 

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Anaemia is defined as a haemoglobin concentration below 11 gm/dl for pregnant women and 12 gm/dl for nonpregnant women. Haemoglobin levels of more than half of the pregnant women of the world were indicative of anemia. Anaemia is associated with increased rates outcomes. It is still a major health problem in many developing countries. Materials and Methods: 498 anaemic women out of 1027 pregnant women in labor were studied. All study group patients with mild and moderate anaemia were given oral iron and folate, B12 tablets. Severely anaemic patients were admitted for blood transfusion. Complete blood count, blood indices, blood pressure, biochemical investigations, urine examination for culture and sensitivity, stool examination for worms and occult blood were done. Ultrsonography was performed in selected cases. Results: Out of 1027 pregnant women in labour, 498 (48.49%) cases were anaemic. Most of these patients were in the age group of 21- 30 years and had mild anaemia. Most of the severe anaemic age group was also 21-30. The most common cause of anemia was found to be a nutritional deficiency followed by worm infestation and other infections. Preterm delivery was the commonest morbidity in mothers and low birth weight in the neonate. Conclusion: As the main reason for anemia, which further lead to high rates of morbidity and mortality was malnutrition, good and nutritious food can solve the problem. Thereby increasing the chances of the birth of a normal and healthy baby.

Keywords: Antenatal women, Anemia, preterm delivery, low birth weight, foetal outcome.

 

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