Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Pregnant Women Referred to Fardis Health Centers in 2018

Background and objectives: Anemia is the most common disorder during pregnancy and approximately 75% of it is related to iron deficiency anemia. Decreased hemoglobin levels increase premature delivery and can lead to intrauterine growth restriction. This study was performed to determine the rate of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women referring to health centers in Fardis. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in 2018, the health records of 402 women who referred to health centers in Fardis and completed their pregnancies were examined. The data of this study were collected according to the criteria of the World Health Organization and using the information of the Sib system. Chi-square and t-test statistics were used to investigate the relationships between variables. Results: The prevalence of anemia in this study was 5% in the first trimester of pregnancy and 13/5% in the third trimester. No significant difference was found between age, pre-pregnancy weight, and body mass index in the group with and without anemia. There was a significant inverse relationship between the distance from the last delivery and the number of pregnancies with the hemoglobin level. It was also found people who were anemic in the first trimester of pregnancy, during pregnancy had a significantly greater weight gain. Conclusion: According to the results, the prevalence of anemia was especially unpleasant in the third trimester. Because this eating disorder is preventable, it is important to pay attention to expanding pre-pregnancy care and increasing mothers' awareness of proper nutrition and supplementation as needed.