Maternal and perinatal outcome in varying degrees of anemia

Objectives: To analyze the maternal and perinatal outcome in varying degrees of anemia. Methods: A total of 447 pregnant women were divided into group I (Hb>11 g%, n=123 women), group II (Hb 9–10.9 g%, n=214 women), group III (Hb 7–8.9 g%, n=79 women) group IV (Hb3 were highest in group IV. The patients with Hb11 g%. The odds ratios for abnormal delivery (cesarean and operative vaginal deliveries) showed a 4.8-fold higher risk (95% CI 1.82, 12.7) in patients with Hb ≤7.5 g%. The mean birth weight was maximum in the 9.6–10.5 g% category that fell with both increasing and decreasing hemoglobin values, being lowest in Group IV. Women in Group II had lowest number of low birth weight and IUGR babies, no stillbirths and neonatal deaths, lowest induction and operative delivery rates. Conclusions: Mild anemia fared best in maternal and perinatal outcome. Severe anemia was associated with increased low birth weight babies, induction rates, operative deliveries and prolonged labor.