Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women in Eslamshahr

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy is a significant public health problem especially in developing countries. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy may lead to increased risks of preterm delivery, Low birth weight and still birth. This study was undertaken to detect iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women referring to health care centers of Eslamshahr/Iran. Method: In this study, 266 selected pregnant women were divided into three groups of 1st trimester (n=58), 2nd trimester (n=73) and 3rd trimester (n=135) and their venous blood samples were collected for the determination of Hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrit (Hc), MCV, serum iron, TIBC, Transferrin saturation (TS) and serum ferritin. Data were collected by using a general information questionnaire and daily intake of energy, protein and iron were estimated by using 24hr dietary recall questionnaire. Data were analyzed by frequency, mean and standard deviation and Chi square tests, Anova and Tukey HSD. Results: Comparing to the normal levels, in the first trimester 1.7%, 40.4%, in second trimester 5.7%, 49.7%, and in the third trimester 2.8% , 54.5%, of pregnant women were deficient in Hb and Serum iron respectively. Also in the first trimester 54.5%, in the second trimester 10.4% and in the third trimester 22.7% of pregnant women were deficient in daily iron intake, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the studied population is high. Hb determination is not enough to detect iron deficiency anemia and ferritin determination is necessary to asses iron stores. Moreover, iron supplements can not completely treat anemia.