Maternal anaemia in Abidjan--Its influence on placenta and newborns

In a random population of 198 pregnant women, detailed haematological determinations were performed at delivery. The prevalence of anaemia (haemoglobin less than 10 g/100 ml) is 20%. Iron deficiency is even more frequent. Malaria is shown to play an important role. Maternal anaemia is also correlated with nutritional status. Primiparae are shown to be at higher risk of anaemia. The effect of maternal anaemia on anthropometric and haematological variables of the newborn are discussed. Mothers with sickle-cell or HbC trait are not at special risk of anaemia.