Effect of Anemia during Pregnancy and Associated Risk Factors

Introduction: Anaemia in pregnancy is a public health problem in developing countries. Severe anemia is associated wth placental abruption, preterm birth, severe postpartum hemorrhage and fetal malformation, fetal growth restriction and still birth while in mild anemia there is reduced risks of such complications. Objective: To study the effect of anemia during pregnancy and assess the association of risk factors with anemia. Design: Hospital based cross sectional study done in a primary health centre in a government hospital of Assam from July 2022 to September 2022. Materials and methods: 200 pregnant females aged 15-49yrs were included in the study. Hemoglobin concentrations were recorded for each patient and data was analysed using Chi-square test and T test. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of anemia was found to be 90% among pregnant women. Most of the anemic patients (60%) belong to moderate severity according to the World Health Organisation classification. Gravida and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with prevalence of anemia in pregnancy (p< 0.05). Conclusion: A high prevalence of anemia was found in pregnant women. Multigravida, low socioeconomic status were associated with anemia in pregnancy.