Association between Maternal Anaemia and Premature Birth

Objective: This study was designed to assess the relation between maternal anaemia in the third trimester and premature birth. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Prince Hashim hospital and Prince Ali Hospital in the period between August 2015 and July 2016. A total of 200 women were included in the study and divided into two groups. Group A consisted of patients delivered between 24-37 weeks of gestation (case group), while Group B consisted of patients delivered after 37 weeks (control group). Maternal anaemia was defined as haemoglobin level < 11g/ dL and preterm delivery was defined as delivery prior to 37 weeks of gestation. Patients with haemoglobinopathies, systemic diseases, Antepartum haemorrhage and multiple gestations were excluded from the analysis. Results: In Group A, 47 patients were found to be anaemic while 53 patients had normal haemoglobin. In Group B, 29 patients were found to be anaemic while 71 patients had normal haemoglobin. Conclusion: It was observed that maternal anaemia in the third trimester, at labour, was associated with an increased risk of prematurity.