Mother-Infant Interactions and Infant Development Are Altered by Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in young South African mothers alters mother-infant interactions and the infant's development. The study was a prospective, randomized, controlled intervention trial with 3 groups of mothers: nonanemic controls and anemic mothers administered either placebo (25 mg ascorbic acid and 10 microg folate) or daily iron treatment (125 mg FeSO(4) plus ascorbate and folate). Mothers of full-term, normal birth weight infants (n = 81) were followed from 10 wk to 9 mo postpartum. Maternal iron status, socioeconomic level, mother-infant interaction [Parent/Caregiver Involvement Scale (PCIS scale)], and infant development (Griffiths scale) were assessed. At baseline, anemic mothers tended (P < 0.10) to be less responsive to, and more controlling of, their infants. Infants of anemic mothers were developmentally delayed at 10 wk in hand-eye movement and overall quotient. Despite normalization of maternal iron status with supplementation in some mothers, the developmental delays were not diminished at 9 mo. At 9 mo, anemic mothers were significantly more "negative" towards their babies, engaged less in goal setting, and were less "responsive" than control mothers. In contrast, the behavior of anemic mothers given iron treatment toward their children was similar to that of the control mothers on all 11 scales of the PCIS. In conclusion, IDA altered mother-child interactions at both 10 wk and 9 mo postpartum. Additionally, infants whose mothers were anemic in the early postpartum scored worse on developmental tests at 10 wk and 9 mo of age.

Common perinatal mental disorders in northern Viet Nam: community prevalence and health care use

“…35 Anaemia is associated with perinatal morbid conditions that resemble those linked to depression: reduced maternal cognitive functioning and diminished sensitivity and responsiveness to the baby, as well as low birth weight, stunting and developmental delays in the infant. 36,37 Iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism in pregnant women are associated with higher rates of stillbirth and with neonatal encephalopathy and mild to severe neurodevelopmental consequences for the infant. 36,38 National antenatal nutritional supplementation programmes have been implemented in Viet Nam to reduce maternal nutritional deficiency states.…”

Prophylaxis of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Todllers: A Multidisciplinary Approach (Literature Review)

“…Tiriant motinos ir kūdikio sąveiką pastebėta, jog GSM sergančios motinos dažniau nusiteikusios neigiamai, ne taip jautriai reaguoja į kūdikio poreikius (p < 0,05), šie skirtumai išlieka net ir baigus gydymą. GSM sergančių motinų kūdikių motoriniai įgūdžiai taip pat prastesni nei sveikų moterų kūdikių (p < 0,05) [19]. Taigi motinos sveikata, nors ir netiesiogiai, vis dėlto turi įtakos kūdikio vystymuisi.…”

Post Partum Iron Deficiency Anemia; Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous vs Oral Iron Therapy

“…Women with postpartum anemia are less responsive to their child and shows negative behavior. 17 There is intense psychological and physical stress found in postpartum period. High cost, longer hospital stay, and need for appropriate medical therapy are also the effects of anemia along with its other consequences.…”