Improved management and prevention of anemia during pregnancy

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 73 views

The Relationship of Anemia in Pregnant Women with the Output of Newborns in the Medan City Health Center

Introduction

Anemia in pregnant women is a condition that is often encountered, especially in developing countries, and can cause various perinatal complications. More than two-thirds of pregnant women in these countries experience anemia, with most cases caused by iron deficiency anemia. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between anemia in pregnant women with the birth of infant births, including low birth weight (LBW), premature birth, and the need for treatment in the Intensive Neonatal Care Unit (NICU).

Background

Anemia in pregnant women is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, including Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia affects approximately 30% of pregnant women worldwide, with the majority of cases caused by iron deficiency anemia. Anemia during pregnancy can lead to various complications, including low birth weight, premature birth, and increased risk of maternal mortality. In Indonesia, anemia is a major concern, with a prevalence of 46.2% among pregnant women in the Medan City Health Center.

Methodology

This study is observational with a latitude cutting design, involving pregnant women who conduct pregnancy examinations in 35 Puskesmas in Medan and record births that occurred in the July-December 2023 period. Data was analyzed descriptively to observe the frequency distribution of research subjects based on the sample characteristics. Bivariate analysis was carried out using the Chi-Square test to assess the relationship between maternal anemia and perinatal results in the form of BBLR, premature births, and NICU care needs. The analysis results are considered significant if P <0.05 with a confidence level of 95%.

Results

The results showed that the majority of pregnant women who experienced anemia aged 20-35 years, with 208 mothers (46.2%) and multipara status (28.4%). Pregnant women who experience anemia also recorded a frequency of antenatal examination less than six times, with a total of 175 times (38.9%). Of the 450 babies born, it was found that 43 babies from mothers who experience anemia require nicu treatment, compared to 5 babies from mothers who are not anemia. In addition, 38 babies born to anemia pregnant women experience low birth weight, while only 9 babies from non-anemia mothers experience the same thing. A total of 59 premature babies were born from anemia mothers, while only 12 premature babies were born to non-anemia mothers. The Chi-Square test shows a significant relationship with P <0.001 for the three perinatal results studied in this study.

Discussion

The results of this study emphasize the importance of management and prevention of anemia during pregnancy to improve the quality of births and health of newborns. Anemia in pregnant women has a significant impact on poor perinatal results, including increased risk of low birth weight, premature births, and treatment needs in NICU. The handling of anemia in pregnant women not only affects maternal health but also has a direct impact on the health of the baby.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anemia in pregnant women has a significant impact on poor perinatal results, including increased risk of low birth weight, premature births, and treatment needs in NICU. The results of this study emphasize the importance of management and prevention of anemia during pregnancy to improve the quality of births and health of newborns. Therefore, it is essential for every pregnant woman to routinely conduct a medical examination and follow medical recommendations in order to prevent anemia and complications that may arise during pregnancy. In addition, an increase in awareness and education about the importance of good nutritional intake during pregnancy is also very necessary to reduce the incidence of anemia among pregnant women, especially in areas with high prevalence such as Medan City.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improved management and prevention of anemia during pregnancy: Health care providers should prioritize the management and prevention of anemia during pregnancy to improve the quality of births and health of newborns.
Increased awareness and education about good nutritional intake during pregnancy: Pregnant women should be educated about the importance of good nutritional intake during pregnancy to reduce the incidence of anemia.
Regular medical examination and follow-up: Pregnant women should routinely conduct a medical examination and follow medical recommendations to prevent anemia and complications that may arise during pregnancy.
Increased access to health care services: Pregnant women should have increased access to health care services, including antenatal care and postnatal care, to improve the quality of births and health of newborns.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Selection bias: The study may be subject to selection bias, as the sample was selected from a specific population (pregnant women in the Medan City Health Center).
Measurement bias: The study may be subject to measurement bias, as the data was collected using self-reported measures.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Investigate the relationship between anemia and perinatal outcomes in a larger sample size: Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between anemia and perinatal outcomes in a larger sample size to improve the generalizability of the results.
Explore the impact of anemia on maternal and fetal health: Future studies should aim to explore the impact of anemia on maternal and fetal health to improve our understanding of the condition.
Develop effective interventions to prevent anemia during pregnancy: Future studies should aim to develop effective interventions to prevent anemia during pregnancy to improve the quality of births and health of newborns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anemia in Pregnant Women

Q: What is anemia in pregnant women?

A: Anemia in pregnant women is a condition where the mother's body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the baby. This can lead to various complications, including low birth weight, premature birth, and increased risk of maternal mortality.

Q: What are the causes of anemia in pregnant women?

A: The most common cause of anemia in pregnant women is iron deficiency anemia, which occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin. Other causes include vitamin deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic disease, and hemoglobinopathies.

Q: What are the symptoms of anemia in pregnant women?

A: The symptoms of anemia in pregnant women may include:

Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Headaches
Dizziness
Cold hands and feet

Q: How is anemia in pregnant women diagnosed?

A: Anemia in pregnant women is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, including:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Hemoglobin (Hb) test
Iron studies
Fetal ultrasound

Q: What are the risks of anemia in pregnant women?

A: The risks of anemia in pregnant women include:

Low birth weight
Premature birth
Increased risk of maternal mortality
Increased risk of complications during delivery
Increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage

Q: How can anemia in pregnant women be prevented?

A: Anemia in pregnant women can be prevented through:

Regular prenatal care
Iron supplements
Vitamin supplements
Healthy diet
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Q: What are the treatment options for anemia in pregnant women?

A: The treatment options for anemia in pregnant women include:

Iron supplements
Vitamin supplements
Blood transfusions
Folic acid supplements
Rest and relaxation

Q: Can anemia in pregnant women be cured?

A: Anemia in pregnant women can be managed and treated, but it cannot be completely cured. However, with proper treatment and care, the symptoms can be alleviated, and the risk of complications can be reduced.

Q: How can I reduce the risk of anemia in pregnant women?

A: To reduce the risk of anemia in pregnant women, you can:

Eat a healthy diet rich in iron and folic acid
Take iron and folic acid supplements as recommended by your healthcare provider
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Get regular prenatal care
Stay hydrated and get enough rest and relaxation

Q: What should I do if I suspect that I have anemia in pregnancy?

A: If you suspect that you have anemia in pregnancy, you should:

Contact your healthcare provider immediately
Schedule a prenatal appointment to discuss your symptoms and receive a diagnosis
Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment and care

Q: Can anemia in pregnant women affect the baby?

A: Yes, anemia in pregnant women can affect the baby. Anemia can lead to:

Low birth weight
Premature birth
Increased risk of complications during delivery
Increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage

Q: How can I support a pregnant woman with anemia?

A: To support a pregnant woman with anemia, you can:

Encourage her to eat a healthy diet rich in iron and folic acid
Help her take iron and folic acid supplements as recommended by her healthcare provider
Accompany her to prenatal appointments and support her in following her healthcare provider's recommendations
Offer emotional support and encouragement throughout her pregnancy.