A Study on the Prevalence of Anaemia in Pregnancy and Its Role as a Risk Factor for Low Birth Weight in Term Pregnancies: Hospital-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. It has been associated with adverse outcomes including low birth weight (LBW), preterm labor, and perinatal mortality. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women and determine whether anemia is a significant risk factor for low birth weight in term pregnancies. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 38 pregnant women who delivered at term. Hemoglobin levels were measured, and newborn birth weights recorded. Anemia was defined as Hb <11 g/dL. Maternal demographics, risk factors, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Prevalence of anemia was found to be 63.2%. Among the anemic group, 58.3% of babies had low birth weight (<2.5 kg), compared to 14.3% in the non-anemic group. Anemia showed a significant association with low birth weight. Conclusion: Anemia in pregnancy is highly prevalent and significantly associated with low birth weight in term deliveries. Screening and timely management are crucial to improving neonatal outcomes.