PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a worldwide problem, but it is most prevalent in the developing world. Anemia during pregnancy affects both mother’s and her child’s health. Globally, the prevalence of anemia is 74% among pregnant women, and in India, it ranges from 19% to 61%. Anemia during pregnancy will lead to consequences such as fetal anemia, low birth weight, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, and perinatal mortality. Anemia during pregnancy and its consequences can be prevented and treated if diagnosed on time. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at maternity wards of P B M hospital, attached to S P Medical College, Bikaner. The study was conducted for a period of 2 months. Women aged 15-49 yrs. Who had undergone delivery and having ANC record were include in the study after taking informed consent for participation in the study. The data were collected using semi?structured questionnaire. Results: Out of 1090 women 91.3% women were anemic. Prevalence of anemia was higher(95.3%) in women with less than 3 ANC visit as compare to women with 3 or more ANC visit. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was high in our study and also seen is various studies in different parts of the country. This continuing high burden of anemia could be mainly due to lack of utilization of the services provided by the government Keywords: Anemia; Hemoglobin Status; Pregnant Women