Association between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Pregnancy Outcomes

Mahmoud Abdel Ghani, Rania; Mansour Ibrahim, Sahar; M. Nabil Aboushady, Reda

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2022.261322

Association between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Pregnancy Outcomes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt.

² Lecturer of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt

10.21608/ejhc.2022.261322

Abstract

Background: Maternal anaemia has been associated with increased risks of both maternal
and neonatal adverse outcomes. This study aims to assess the relationship between iron deficiency
anaemia and pregnancy outcomes. Design: A descriptive correlation design was utilized. The study
was conducted at the antenatal outpatient clinic and the emergency department of deliveries (section
10) at El Kasr El Aini University Hospital. A purposive sample of 300 pregnant women who
attended the antenatal clinics was recruited. The sample was divided into three groups, with 100
pregnant women for each. Tools: Three tools were designed and utilized for data collection;
1)Structured interviewing scheduled questionnaire, 2) Maternal follow up assessment sheet, and 3)
Neonatal follow up assessment sheet were used for data collection. Results: On comparison
between the non-anemic and anaemic groups related to the outcomes of the current pregnancy, data
revealed that there were statistically significant differences between groups related to mode of
delivery, the occurrence of immediate postpartum haemorrhage, the neonatal first minute Apgar
scores, and their weight (P≤ 0.05). Although all mothers in the three groups reached term at their
gestational age at delivery time, there were noticeable statistical differences between the non-
anemic group and the mild and moderate anaemia groups. Conclusion: Multiparous women with
moderate anaemia were more likely to have postpartum hemorrhage, an increased caesarean section
rate, neonatal low birth weight, and be small for their gestational age. Recommendations:
monitoring mothers' compliance to approach the antenatal clinics for regular follow-up as well as
their compliance to take the prescribed supplements is an essential need for Egyptian mothers.

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