Iron-deficiency anemia in relation to body mass index among Iraqi primigravida women

Anemia affects approximately half a billion women of reproductive age worldwide, with 31% of pregnant women in Iraq aged 15–49 years experiencing anemia. This condition is associated with increased risks of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, including stillbirths, miscarriages, prematurity, and low birth weight. This study investigated the correlation between iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and body mass index (BMI) among primigravidae in Iraq. One hundred primiparous women in their third trimester were recruited from Baghdad Medical City Teaching Hospital and Teaching Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Karbala. Participants were categorized into four groups based on BMI: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m^2), normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m^2), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m^2), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m^2). Demographic and medical history data were collected from the participants, and hematological investigations were conducted to measure hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and serum ferritin levels. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. The study enrolled 100 primiparous women, including 10 underweight, 24 normal weight, 28 overweight, and 38 obese participants. Analysis revealed a significant decrease in Hb levels among obese individuals compared to the normal weight group. Moreover, a significant difference in serum ferritin levels was observed between the obese and the other three groups (underweight, normal weight, and overweight). The findings indicated an inverse correlation between high BMI and serum ferritin and Hb levels. The study concluded that anemia is more common in obese pregnant women compared to normal-weight women. Furthermore, it demonstrates varying trends of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in relation to the body mass index (BMI) of pregnant women.