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Background/Aims Sociodemographic factors are associated with perceived overall health status or ‘self-rated health’. However, research using data from the comprehensive population register in Sweden to examine self-rated health in pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to examine sociodemographic factors associated with self-rated health before, during and after pregnancy in low-risk pregnant women, based on comprehensive population register data in Sweden. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of the Swedish pregnancy register (Graviditets registret). Data from 167 523 women were tested with group comparisons and ordinal regression analyses. Results Women between the ages of 25 and 29 years and primiparas were less likely to self-rate their health lower. Women born outside Scandinavia, those whose education did not reach university level, jobseekers, those on parental leave and students were more likely to report lower self-rated health. Women with risky behaviours, such as alcohol consumption and those who smoked and/or snuffed were more likely to report lower self-rated health. Conclusions The findings indicate that preventive and health promoting actions in the midwifery profession should build on awareness of possible associated sociodemographic factors.

Background: Maternal anaemia has been associated with increased risks of both maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. This study aims to assess the relationship between iron deficiency anaemia and pregnancy outcomes. Design: A descriptive correlation design was utilized. The study was conducted at the antenatal outpatient clinic and the emergency department of deliveries (section 10) at El Kasr El Aini University Hospital. A purposive sample of 300 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinics was recruited. The sample was divided into three groups, with 100 pregnant women for each. Tools: Three tools were designed and utilized for data collection; 1)Structured interviewing scheduled questionnaire, 2) Maternal follow up assessment sheet, and 3) Neonatal follow up assessment sheet were used for data collection. Results: On comparison between the non-anemic and anaemic groups related to the outcomes of the current pregnancy, data revealed that there were statistically significant differences between groups related to mode of delivery, the occurrence of immediate postpartum haemorrhage, the neonatal first minute Apgar scores, and their weight (P≤ 0.05). Although all mothers in the three groups reached term at their gestational age at delivery time, there were noticeable statistical differences between the nonanemic group and the mild and moderate anaemia groups. Conclusion: Multiparous women with moderate anaemia were more likely to have postpartum hemorrhage, an increased caesarean section rate, neonatal low birth weight, and be small for their gestational age. Recommendations: monitoring mothers' compliance to approach the antenatal clinics for regular follow-up as well as their compliance to take the prescribed supplements is an essential need for Egyptian mothers.

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