Anemia prevalence at the time of pregnancy detection

OBJECTIVE: Anemia in the first trimester of pregnancy is the situation as described by the World Health Organization when the level of hemoglobin (Hb) is less than 11 g in 100 cc of blood. The prevalence of this problem is 18% in developed countries, whereas it is between 35-75% in developing countries. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia at the time of pregnancy detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of anemia. A total of 5228 first trimester pregnant women were admitted to the study between 2012 and 2014. Hb levels of 11 to 9.5 g/dL, 9.5 to 8 g/dL, and less than 8 g/dL were considered as mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively. RESULTS: We detected mild, modarate, and severe anemia at rates of 16.64%, 3.07%, and 0.28%, respectively, in our population. The overall prevalence of anemia at the time of detection of pregnancy was 20.0%. CONCLUSION: Anemia is a significant risk factor for maternal mortality in developing countries. The prevalence of anemia at the time of pregnancy detection was 20% and this rate is close to those indicated in developed countries.