Abstract

Anemia during pregnancy is a public health challenge facing the world today, especially in developing countries. Normal physiologic changes in pregnancy affect poor nutrition, iron and folate deficiencies, and other diseases like malaria. Approximately 75% of all anemia diagnosed during pregnancy is due to iron deficiency. WHO has estimated that the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women is 14% in developed and 51% in developing countries. Anemia with hemoglobin levels less than 6g/dl is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Spontaneous abortions, prematurity, low birth weight, and fetal deaths are complications of severe anemia. Treatment of mild anemia with iron and folic supplements prevents more severe forms of anemia, strictly associated with increased risk of fetal-maternal mortality and morbidity.

Keywords: Anemia; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Physiological Changes; Mortality; Morbidity