Maternal And Fetal Outcomes In Pregnant Women With Anemia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Anemia is the most common medical disorder among all age groups in India. Anemia during pregnancy has major impact on public health as it affects both mother and the child. The evidence regarding effects of maternal anemia on perinatal outcomes is not robust. So, we studied the effects of anemia on maternal and fetal outcomes. Materials and methods: A cross sectional observational study was done among pregnant mothers presenting to labour room in a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka from January to December 2017. Their anemic status was correlated with various maternal and fetal complications. Results: Of the 282 women enrolled, 87.2% had moderate and 12.8% had severe anemia. Microcytic hypochromic anemia was the most common 100 (35.4%). Pre-term labour (30.6%) was the most common maternal complication followed by pre-eclampsia (21.3%). 48.2% women required blood transfusion, with higher requirement in severe anemia (p<0.05). Among neonatal complications, low birth weight was seen in 56.7%. Median birth was lower in severe anemia group when compared to moderate anemia group {(2.6 (2.2,2.9) Kgs 2.35(2.0,2.7)Kg, p<0.05}. Women in severe anemia group had 2.62 times (95% CI: 1.2- 5.4) and 2.98 times (95% CI: 1.46- 6.08) more chance of having a LBW baby and preterm delivery respectively compared to women with moderate anemia. Conclusion: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia during pregnancy. The risk of pre-term delivery, pre-eclampsia, abruptio placenta, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, HELLP syndrome, CCF and maternal mortality increases with anemia in pregnant women. The risk of prematurity, LBW, less than 5 APGAR score, respiratory distress, IUD and FSB increases with anemia. Early detection and effective treatment of anemia during pregnancy are the keystones in improving neonatal and maternal outcomes.