Anemia Prevalence and Complications Across Pregnancy Trimesters: Insights from a Cohort of Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a prevalent condition affecting 40% of pregnant women, posing significant risks to both maternal and fetal health outcomes, including premature birth, low birth weight, infection, postpartum hemorrhage, and the need for cesarean section. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined 390 pregnant women attending the gynecology and obstetrics clinic of Amir Al-Momenin Hospital. Sampling was conducted among referred women on a predetermined date. Data were collected and analyzed using STATA version 11 software. A comparison of pregnancy outcomes between women with and without anemia was performed using independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: The study revealed that low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in the first trimester of pregnancy did not exhibit a significant association with pregnancy outcomes. However, low hematocrit levels in the second trimester were found to significantly increase the risk of stillbirth, low Apgar score, and premature delivery, although they did not significantly impact other maternal and neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: These findings suggest that hematocrit levels in the second trimester of pregnancy may serve as a predictor for certain adverse pregnancy outcomes in both the mother and the infant. Hence, it is imperative to screen for anemia and monitor blood indices in women before and during pregnancy. Timely and appropriate treatment should be administered upon diagnosis of anemia to mitigate potential risks to maternal and fetal health.