Hemoglobin status During pregnancy in Ramadi Maternity & Child hospital

Abstract

A sample of 998 pregnant women admitted to the Maternity and Children hospital in Ramadi, for the period from Jan. to Jul. 1996. Routine history, physical examination, and routine hematological investigations were performed, 32.1% of cases were found to be anemic (hemoglobin, Hb, level below 11 g/dl with mean value of 8.9g/dl (SD = 0.84), while the non-anemic cases had mean Hb value of 12.2 g/dl (SD=6.7). Age group 16-20 (n=67), 21 - 30 (n= 513), 31-40 (n=368), 40+ (n=50) years exhibited mean Hb value of 10.93 g/dl (SD=1.8), 11.42 g/dl (SD=1.5), 10.75 g/dl (SD=1.7), and 11.16 g/dl (SD=1.7) respectively. The 31 – 40 age group exhibited a significantly (P=0.000) louver value than the 21 – 30 age group . Both gravidity and parity of 4 plus exhibited a significant (P=0.000) drop in mean Hb value women who received iron supplement showed a significantly (P=0.002) higher Hb value . It is concluded that pregnant women of fourth decade age group, with gravidity 4 plus and parity 4 plus are the most vulnerable to develop anemia. Thus, iron supplementation for this group of pregnant women can reduce morbidity and mortality of both mother and fetus . Some recommendations are presented.