Background: Anemia remains one of the most frequent medical conditions complicating pregnancy, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Its severity has been consistently linked to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the spectrum of clinical consequences associated with third-trimester anemia.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for a duration of 12 months in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Pregnant women between 28–42 weeks were grouped into WHO anemia grades according to hemoglobin levels into severe anemia (<7 g/dL), mild–moderate anemia (7–10.9 g/dL), and controls (>11 g/dL). Maternal characteristics, antenatal care status, obstetric complications, and fetal outcomes were recorded. Statistical significance was assessed using chi-square tests, with p-value < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: Out of 319 eligible women, 79 (24.8%) had severe anemia, 90 (28.2%) had mild–moderate anemia, and 150 (47%) had normal hemoglobin. Severe anemia was strongly associated with a lack of antenatal care (84.8%). Adverse maternal outcomes increased significantly with anemia severity, including pre-eclampsia (15.2%), postpartum hemorrhage (22.1%), puerperal sepsis (15.2%), wound gaping (11.7%), and ICU admission (19%). Neonatal complications were also markedly higher among severely anemic mothers, particularly preterm birth (44.6%), low birth weight (63.1%), low APGAR scores, and increased NICU admission. No maternal deaths occurred.
Conclusion: Third-trimester anemia, especially in its severe form, is associated with substantial maternal morbidity and neonatal compromise. The findings underscore the critical importance of early antenatal registration, routine hemoglobin screening, and aggressive nutritional and clinical interventions to reduce the burden of anemia-related complications.
International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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