Maternal anaemia high in Hyderabad

Anaemia is quite high among pregnant women in Hyderabad. Timely check ups in maternal anaemia cases is important as any negligence could lead to severe health complications for the mother as well as the child in the womb.

Severe anaemia cases are often linked to foetal mortality.

A research study conducted by doctors of VRK Women’s Medical College and Hospital and Research Centre, and Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, revealed that 48.3 per cent of pregnant women tested had haemoglobin count of less than 10 grams.

“The most common age group affected was 20-30 years, which is the predominant age group of pregnant women attending the hospital,” the doctors said.

The doctors also suggested most of the pregnant women had moderate anaemia followed by women with mild anaemia.

The doctors found that anaemia in pregnant women is directly proportional to parity, less spacing between pregnancies and related to lower educational status.

The result of the study was published in the recent issue of the International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

It was found that the most common factor for anaemia is iron deficiency in the blood.

“Other risk factors associated with maternal anaemia are malnutrition, unhealthy lifestyle, twin or multiple pregnancies, smoking or alcohol use, history of menstrual disorders or past infections,” they said.