Third trimester gestational anemia: frequency and severity according to maternal age

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hematology
• Public Health

Background:

• Anemia is a frequent condition during pregnancy with significant repercussions for both mother and child.
• Gestational anemia, particularly in the third trimester, requires careful monitoring due to its potential adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and severity of third-trimester gestational anemia.
• To analyze the relationship between maternal age and the occurrence of anemia in pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• A transversal study was conducted with 428 pregnant women at or beyond 27 weeks gestation.
• Data included hemoglobin levels, maternal age, and exclusion criteria such as multiple births or maternal chronic diseases.
• Statistical analysis involved Chi-square tests to assess associations between variables like maternal age and anemia frequency.

Main Results:

• The overall frequency of anemia in the third trimester was 31.8%, with higher rates in women under 20 (41.5%) and over 35 (35.6%).
• Maternal age was significantly associated with the frequency of anemia (p=0.012) but not its severity.
• Mild anemia was predominant (18.7%), and microcytosis was observed in 36.9% of anemic women.

Conclusions:

• The study found a high frequency of mild anemia in the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Anemia disproportionately affected pregnant women in the youngest (<20 years) and oldest (>35 years) age groups.