To compare the outcome of maternal anemia (maternal hemoglobin) in relation to gestational age and birth weight of new born

Abstract

Objective: To compare the outcome of maternal anemia (maternal hemoglobin) in relation to gestational age and birth weight of newborns. Study Design: An analytical cross-sectional study

Place and duration of study: Labor Ward of Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad from 25^th February 2017 to 24^th February 2018

Patients and Methods: Pregnant women who were admitted for delivery with hemoglobin <11g/dl and were well-nourished (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference more than 21cm and Body Mass Index 18.5-24.9) were enrolled. A blood sample for hemoglobin was sent to a standard laboratory (LUH, diagnostic & Research laboratory etc.). Anemia was classified as mild, moderate and severe. SPSS version 20 was used for the calculation of frequency and percentage. Results: A total of 380 cases were enrolled having a mean ±SD for birthweight of 30.97± 5.65 kg and gestational age of 41.97±6.87 weeks. Out of 380 cases, 28.9% had NVD (normal vaginal delivery) and 71.1% had a cesarean section. The anemia was mild in 19.7%, moderate in 70.5% and severe in 9.7% of women. Hemoglobin deficiency was statistically significant regarding birth weight, gestational age, birth and mode of delivery (p = 0.04, p=0.00, p=0.00) respectively. The findings of the study revealed that even mild and moderate anemia can cause prematurity and low birth weight. Conclusion: The outcome demonstrates the statistically significant relationship between maternal anemia in pregnancy with the extended danger of Low birth weight and preterm babies.