The Influence of Iron-deficiency Anemia during the Pregnancy on Preterm Birth and Birth Weight in South China

Abstract

Objective: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is very common during pregnancy and it has adverse effects on pregnancy. However, current researches on IDA and adverse pregnancy outcomes have shown inconsistency. The aim of this observational study is to assess in which trimester of pregnancy, IDA carries a greater risk of low birth weight (LBW) infants and preterm birth. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out at obstetric department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2014 to December 2014. Venous blood samples of 500 pregnant mothers were collected in first, second and third trimester of pregnancy. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels in each trimester of pregnancy were recorded. The mothers were followed till delivery. Gestational weeks at the time of delivery and birth weight of babies were recorded. Results: Our data showed that during pregnancy, more than 70% of pregnant women suffered iron-deficiency anemia. Compared to the non-IDA group, serum ferritin level was significantly low in second and late trimester of the pregnancy in IDA group (p <0.05). Pregnant women who were anemic during the pregnancy were less literate, multigravida, multipara (p <0.05). According to the logistic regression analysis, Anemia in late trimester was the affected factors to the incidence of low birth weight and preterm birth (p <0.05) A positive correlation (r= 0.97，p<0.05) between Hb level and birth weight was seen only in late trimester anemic patients. Conclusions: The incidence of preterm deliveries and low birth weight babies were significantly more in mothers who were anemic in the third trimesters of pregnancy. Hemoglobin screening in second trimester is necessary for pregnant women along with correcting the anemia from the second trimester to improve the maternal outcome. Most effective education programs should be performed to the anemic group during pregnancy.