ASSESSMENT OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND INTRANATAL OUTCOMES AMONG NEWBORNS OF ANEMIC MOTHERS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH

Abstract

Introduction: The study emphasizes the high prevalence of maternal anaemia, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and its implications for maternal and neonatal health.
Materials and Methods: The research involved 180 mother-newborn pairs over one year, focusing on maternal characteristics, severity of anaemia, neonatal hematological parameters, and intranatal outcomes.
Results:  Key findings indicate that maternal anaemia, classified as mild, moderate, and severe, significantly correlates with adverse neonatal outcomes such as low birth weight, poor APGAR scores, and increased need for resuscitation and NICU admission. The mean maternal haemoglobin was notably low at 9.1 g/dL, and the rates of low birth weight among newborns were 16.7%, 34.1%, and 52.9% for mild, moderate, and severe anaemia, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that higher severity of maternal anaemia correlates with lower neonatal haemoglobin and haematocrit values, confirming the impact of maternal health on neonatal outcomes. The data suggests that improved screening and management of maternal anaemia could lead to better neonatal health outcomes.
Conclusion: Overall, the study highlights the critical need for increased antenatal care, effective iron supplementation, and nutritional counseling to mitigate the effects of maternal anaemia on newborns, advocating for further multicenter studies for comprehensive understanding of these relationships.