Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy and related complications with specific insight in Rivers State, Nigeria: a...

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common nutritional disorders affecting pregnant women worldwide, with significant implications for maternal and neonatal health. In developing regions like Rivers State, Nigeria, the prevalence of IDA in pregnancy remains alarmingly high, exacerbated by factors such as poverty, inadequate healthcare access, suboptimal nutrition, and endemic parasitic infections like malaria. This narrative review provides an updated overview of IDA in pregnancy, emphasizing its prevalence, risk factors, and complications, with a specific focus on Rivers State. The review highlights the multifaceted consequences of IDA, including maternal outcomes such as increased risks of preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and mortality, alongside fetal complications like intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and perinatal mortality. Current interventions, including antenatal iron and folic acid supplementation programs, have achieved limited success due to logistical challenges, low health literacy, and cultural barriers in the region. To address these issues effectively, a multipronged approach is essential, involving community-based health education, improved access to affordable healthcare services, and policy-driven efforts to address systemic barriers. This review emphasizes the urgent need for improved strategies to mitigate the burden of IDA in Rivers State and similar settings, ultimately improving pregnancy outcomes and advancing maternal and child health.