Prevalence of anemia in obstetrical population

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic and to asses the cause of anemia. Study Design: Temporal sampling technique. Place and Duration of Study: Antenatal clinic Unit II, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Services hospital, Lahore from 01.03.2001 to 01.03.2002. Subjects and Methods: Hemoglobin estimation was done in all subjects. Blood indices, peripheral smear, malarial parasite and stool examination were carried out in women with values less than 11gm/dl. Serum electrophoresis was done if the hemoglobin was less than 7gm/dl. Results: It was found that 66% of the pregnant women were anemic. Anemia was more common in women with lesser education, low socioeconomic group and increasing parity. Iron deficiency anemia was found in 72.7% of anemic women. Conclusion: Effective steps should be taken to diagnose anemia early in pregnancy.