DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i12.72

Pages: 4195-4202

Background: Maternal anemia remains a major global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where nutritional deficiencies, socioeconomic disparities, and inadequate antenatal care contribute to its high prevalence. Anemia during pregnancy is strongly associated with adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth, postpartum hemorrhage, low birth weight, and increased perinatal morbidity. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of maternal anemia among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital, assess its impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes, and highlight key approaches for effective management of anemia during pregnancy. Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted at B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, from January to October 2019, including 650 pregnant women. Hemoglobin levels were estimated using standard automated analyzers and categorized according to WHO criteria. Obstetric complications, labor characteristics, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The prevalence of maternal anemia was 61.5%, with most cases classified as mild to moderate. Anemia showed significant associations with preterm birth, postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction. Neonates of anemic mothers had higher incidences of low birth weight, low Apgar scores, and increased NICU admissions. Severity of anemia demonstrated a strong correlation with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: Maternal anemia continues to be a critical determinant of obstetric and neonatal complications. Strengthening its management through early and routine antenatal screening, dietary counseling, iron-and-folate supplementation, and timely initiation of parenteral iron or transfusion in severe cases is essential to reduce associated risks. Integrating evidence-based management strategies within antenatal programs can sig