THE EFFECT OF DECREASED HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS AT FIRST TRIMESTER ON MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOME – A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background And Objective: Iron deciency anemia, especially during the rst trimester has a more negative impact on both maternal & fetal well being. Commonly associated conditions are post partum haemorrhage, birth asphyxia, preeclampsia, low birth weight, preterm, abortions, still born and many more. Thus the study was aimed to determine the levels of haemoglobin in early pregnancy and effect of pregnancy outcomes at Primary Health Care, Ankalagi, Belagavi. Methodology: A retrospective study was done from 2017 April to May 2020 April for a period of three years at PHC, Ankalagi, Belagavi. Over 718 pregnant women were enrolled. Regular ANC was done. Data was collected on Maternal Age, Body mass Index (BMI), Number of parity and Socio-economic determinants. Other Demographic characteristics included rst trimester haemoglobin levels, gestational age at delivery & mode, birth weight, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. Hemoglobin levels were estimated by Sahil's hemoglobinometer method. Categorised into four groups a) Normal :more than11g/L b) Mild anemia :9-10.9g/dl c) Moderate anemia (7-8.9g/dl) and d) Severe anemia (<7.0g/dl) Results: Mean age was 18±39 yrs. Nearly 39.75% were anemic in early pregnancy. Mild anemic were 20.75%(149), moderate anemic were18.10%(130)and severe anemic were 0.4%(3)respectively. The pregnancy outcome of low level haemoglobins duing rst trimester showed miscarriage/abortions of about18.79%, LSCS mode of delivery of about 17.02%, low birth weight of about 9.21%, preterm baby of about 2.12%, neonatal admissions of about 2.12%, still born of about 1.06%, and post partum haemorrhage of 1.77% respectively. Conclusion: The above ndings suggests that anemia in rst trimester denitely has negative impact on both maternal &fetal health. Thus adequate iron intake in early trimester (prior to conception) is crucial for healthy pregnancy. It is one of the preventable causes which can decrease the maternal & fetal mortality. Should reinforce the health education from adolescent girls, with regular antenatal check up and active participation of ASHA workers. Mothers should receive appropriate nutritional advice and supplementation at their rst point of contact with health care professionals