Correlation between gestational age and degree of anemia in pregnancy

Aim: To determine prevalence of anaemia per each trimester as well as the correlation between anaemia parameters and the gestational age in pregnant women having the clinical symptoms and positive laboratory tests for anaemia.Methods All pregnant women who had their pregnancy monitored at the Women and Pregnant Women Health-Care Department of the Health Centre Tuzla, within the period January 2009 – January 2010, had the test analysis of erythrocytes (E), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Htc) and serum iron (Fe). Results: Of the total number of 764 pregnant women, 300 were diagnosed for anaemia and they were of the average age 26.6 ± 4.7, and average gestational age was 23.9 ± 9.1 weeks. The average values of E, Hb and Fe were significantly lower in the second than in the first trimester of pregnancy (p<0,0001; p=0,020; p=0,010). The average value of Htc in the third trimester was significantly lower compared to the first trimester (p=0,0008). Gestational age in primiparas was less negatively correlated with the values of E (r =- 0226) and Fe (r =- 0276). Gestational age in women with their second child was less negatively correlated with the values of E (r =- 0366), Hb (r =- 0206) and Fe (r =- 0280). Gestational age in multiparas was approximating really significant and high correlation between the values of E (r =- 0.688), Hb (r =- 0.695), and really significant for the value of Htc (r=-0576), and less correlated with the value of Fe (r=-0.206). Conclusion: With each trimester of pregnancy anaemia became more distinct. In multiparas with anaemia there was a significant correlation between anaemia and gestational age and therefore, special attention is to be paid to this when monitoring pregnancy, i.e. it is necessary to administer substitution therapy in due time and advise pregnant women about healthy diet.