Abstract

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a worldwide problem, but it is most prevalent in the developing world. Anemia during pregnancy affects both mother’s and her child’s health. Globally, the prevalence of anemia is 74% among pregnant women, and in India, it ranges from 19% to 61%. Anemia during pregnancy will lead to consequences such as fetal anemia, low birth weight, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, and perinatal mortality. Anemia during pregnancy and its consequences can be prevented and treated if diagnosed on time.

Objective: This study was done with the objective to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective record‑based study was conducted at the Urban Health and Training Centre (UHTC) of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru. The study was conducted for a period of 2 months (May–June 2017). All the antenatal mothers visiting the UHTC for regular antenatal checkup during this period were included in the study after taking informed consent for participation in the study. The data were collected using semi‑structured questionnaire.

Results: Among 300 study subjects, most of them were in the age group of 21–35 years with mean age 24.4 + 4.2 years. Around 67% of study subjects were in the second trimester and 42% were primigravida. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant mothers was 68.6% (60.6% and 8.0% were mild and moderately anemic, respectively), none of the study subjects were severely anemic. There was no significant association between hemoglobin status and factors such as education, diet, age at first pregnancy, and gravid status, but there was significant association between spacing between pregnancy and utilization of integrated child development nutritional services and hemoglobin status of pregnant mothers.

Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was high. Spacing between pregnancies will have a significant impact on hemoglobin status of pregnant women.

Key words: Anemia; Hemoglobin Status; Pregnant Women