The association between maternal anaemia in the third trimester and low birth weight neonates: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the association between maternal anaemia during the third trimester and low birthweight babies.

Method: The prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2024 at Lyari General Hospital, Karachi, and comprised women with singleton, term pregnancies. Using a structured questionnaire, sociodemographic data and haemoglobin levels of the mothers in the 3^rd trimester were recorded. Maternal anaemia’s potential association with body mass index, maternal age, child birthweight, gestational age at delivery, and nulliparity was explored. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.

Results: Of 314 pregnant women with mean age 27±5.88 years, 241(76.8%) were anaemic. Low birthweight (<2.5kg) was observed in 45(14.3%) neonates. A significant association (p<0.01) was found between maternal anaemia in the 3^rd trimester and low birthweight in neonates.

Conclusion: Low haemoglobin levels in the third trimester were found to be significantly associated with low birthweight of the neonate, with severe anaemia posing the highest risk.

Key Words: Anaemia, Low birthweight, Gestational age, Body mass index, Parity.