Frequency of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Anemic Mothers

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of spontaneous preterm birth in anemic pregnant mothers.

Methodology: This descriptive case series Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit II Foundation University Medical College, Foundation University Islamabad. All pregnant women who presented to antenatal clinic at >28 and <37 weeks of gestation were selected by consecutive non – probability sampling technique. A thorough history and examination was carried out after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Blood complete picture was performed on booking visit, at 28th and 34th weeks of gestation. The subjects were followed up till delivery to find out association between anemia and spontaneous preterm birth.

Results: A total of 380 subjects were included in the study. Mean age (years) of the subjects was 33.03+/-5.54, whereas mean hemoglobin (gm/dl) at 28th and 34th weeks was 9.51+/-0.99 and 9.76+/-1.03 respectively. Out of 380 subjects, there were 93 (24.5%) anemic mothers having spontaneous preterm birth.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the frequency of spontaneous preterm birth in anemic pregnant mothers is substantial. Thus preventive measures must be taken in perinatal period in order to decrease the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy and to reduce the rate of preterm birth and its associated morbidity and mortality.