Association between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

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.