Study of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in tertiary care hospital in northern India

Abstract

Background: Anemia is major health problem in developing countries with many underlying etiologies, particularly nutritional deficiencies. Pregnant women are prone to become anemic, and anemia leads to increased morbidity and  mortality in mother along with poor pregnancy outcome. This study focused on evaluation of anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in northern India.Methods: Total 1000 pregnant women attended antenatal clinic were enrolled and were evaluated for anemia, and various red blood cell indices were studied.Results: Prevalance of anemia in this study population was 80%, while relative prevalance of mild, moderate and severe anemia was 33.5%, 48.5% and 20% respectively. Majority of cases were because of iron deficiency anemia.Conclusions: Prevalance of anemia is very high in pregnant women which is a major cause for poor pregnancy outcome. Measures need to be taken at various level to improve nutritional status of pregnant women.