A Comparative Study on Outcome of Neonates Born to Anemic Mothers versus Non Anemic Mothers

Introduction: Anemia is a very common hematological problem particularly among pregnant women, more important it also affects the neonate’s health in various aspects. This study was conducted to assess mothers’ anemia and its effects on the growth and hematological status of neonates. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the hematological profile and physical growth of neonates born to anemic mothers at birth and 3&1/2 months of age. Methods: In present study 130 neonates born at tertiary care institute during 2009 were divided into two group according to their mothers’ hemoglobin level (less than 10 gm % and 10 or more gm %). Both groups were compared for maturity, birth weight, hematological profile and physical growth at birth and 3&1/2 months of age. Results: During this study period, total 6799 deliveries were conducted in tertiary care institute. Prevalence of anemia among mothers was 64.05%. Out of 130 neonates, 34 (26.15%) were preterm neonates delivered at birth, while 63 (48.46%) were low birth weight neonates. Preterm deliveries and low birth weight neonates were higher in anemic mothers (p<0.05). Birth weight, head circumference and length were significantly compromised at birth in neonates born to anemic mothers (p<0.01). Comparison of at birth and 3&1/2 month data indicated that weight gain and length gain is significantly better in infant of non anemic mothers (p<0.01). Conclusions: Proportion of Preterm and low birth weight baby were higher in anemic mother. Child born to anemic mother has significant lower Weight, head circumference and length. Even maternal anemic has deteriorating effect on weight and length gain in early infancy. This recapitulates importance of controlling maternal anemia.