International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of hemoglobin with hematocrit and serum ferritin to diagnose iron deficiency at early gestation to prevent the moratility and morbidity due to iron deficiency anemia.
Materials & Methods: 100 Antenatal cases attending OPD of OBG department of Al Ameen medical College hospital, Karnataka, between 16-20 weeks of gestational age were divided into two groups, where Group 1 had to undergo routine CBC and group 2 had to undergo serum ferritin and CBC.
Results: In the present study, most of the pregnant women belonged to 21-25 years of age group, 50% in group 1 and 48% in group 2. In our study, 22% of the patients in group 1 and 12% of the patients were found to be symptomatic i.e., had generalised weakness and giddiness. Approximately, 26% and 22% of the pregnant women in group 1 and 2 were lactating mothers. In our study, Gestational age of 18.1-19.0 weeks had maximum number of patients i.e., 38% in group 1 and 26% in group 2, followed by 19.0-20.0 (38% and 26%), 16.1-17.0 (14% and 26%), 17.1-18.0 (10.0% and 14.0% in group 1 and 2 respectively) weeks of gestational age. History of Menstrual irregularities (Heavy menstrual bleeding) was found in 46% and 32% of the pregnant women in Group 1 and 2 out of which 65% in group 1 and 50% in group 2 were anemic. In our study no patients in group 1 or 2 had history of blood loss.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the prevalence of NAID and IDA, with the help of serum ferritin. Pregnant women should undergo Serum ferritin during second trimester, as this may prevent IDA, by early diagnosis and helps in prevention of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality caused by Subclinical iron deficiency and IDA.