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Published on: January 19, 2024
Anemia prevalence at the time of pregnancy detection
Mustafa Öztürk1, Özlem Öztürk2, Mustafa Ulubay3
1University of Health Sciences, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, İstanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Anemia affects 20% of pregnant women at detection. This study determined the prevalence of anemia in early pregnancy, highlighting its significance for maternal health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Anemia in early pregnancy, defined as hemoglobin (Hb) < 11 g/dL, has varying prevalence globally.
- Developed countries report 18% prevalence, while developing nations face 35-75% rates.
- Early pregnancy anemia poses significant risks to maternal health and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ascertain the prevalence of anemia among first-trimester pregnant women.
- To establish baseline anemia rates at the earliest stage of pregnancy detection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study design.
- Inclusion of 5228 pregnant women in their first trimester (2012-2014).
- Classification of anemia severity: mild (Hb 9.5-11 g/dL), moderate (Hb 8-9.5 g/dL), and severe (Hb < 8 g/dL).
Main Results:
- Overall anemia prevalence was 20.0% at pregnancy detection.
- Mild anemia detected in 16.64% of participants.
- Moderate and severe anemia rates were 3.07% and 0.28%, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The 20% prevalence of anemia at pregnancy detection is a critical public health concern.
- This rate approaches figures seen in developed countries, necessitating targeted interventions.
- Addressing early pregnancy anemia is crucial for reducing maternal mortality, especially in developing regions.
Objective:
Anemia in the first trimester of pregnancy is the situation as described by the World Health Organization when the level of hemoglobin (Hb) is less than 11 g in 100 cc of blood. The prevalence of this problem is 18% in developed countries, whereas it is between 35-75% in developing countries. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia at the time of pregnancy detection.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of anemia. A total of 5228 first trimester pregnant women were admitted to the study between 2012 and 2014. Hb levels of 11 to 9.5 g/dL, 9.5 to 8 g/dL, and less than 8 g/dL were considered as mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively.
Results:
We detected mild, modarate, and severe anemia at rates of 16.64%, 3.07%, and 0.28%, respectively, in our population. The overall prevalence of anemia at the time of detection of pregnancy was 20.0%.
Conclusion:
Anemia is a significant risk factor for maternal mortality in developing countries. The prevalence of anemia at the time of pregnancy detection was 20% and this rate is close to those indicated in developed countries.
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